University assistant predoctoral - PhD position in Probabilistic and Interactive Machine Learning

The working group "Probabilistic and Interactive Machine Learning" within the research group "Data Mining and Machine Learning" at the Faculty of Computer Science, led by Prof. Sebastian Tschiatschek, develops foundational methods in machine learning and artificial intelligence. We focus particularly on the areas of reinforcement learning, interactive learning, and deep probabilistic models. While modern reinforcement learning (RL) has achieved remarkable success, it remains limited when applied to complex, open-ended, or poorly defined environments. Two of the most critical bottlenecks in contemporary AI are sample inefficiency, often caused by the lack of intelligent, structured exploration, and the "reward engineering" problem, where designing an explicit scalar reward function that captures desired behavior is incredibly difficult or impossible. Furthermore, as AI systems are deployed in more complex environments, the challenges of AI alignment (ensuring systems behave according to human preferences) and constrained learning (adhering to strict safety, legal, or physical boundaries) become important. This position is dedicated to addressing these core challenges by advancing the frontiers of Inverse Reinforcement Learning (IRL), exploration, and safe/aligned AI.

Your future tasks:

You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means:

• You will contribute to academic research projects in the above-mentioned areas.
• You will work on scientific articles and publish your research results.
• You will participate in academic conferences to present your research.
• We expect you to conclude your dissertation agreement within 12 months.
• You will work on your dissertation and bring it to completion.
• You will take on teaching responsibilities as specified by the collective agreement.
• You will support the supervision of students' projects and theses.
• You will undertake administrative duties in research, teaching, and university administration, and support the organization of workshops, conferences, and symposia.

• Completed Master's degree (or comparable degree) in computer science, data science, mathematics, communication engineering, or a related field (Applications from candidates close to completion are welcome. Employment can only begin once the Master's degree has been awarded.)
• Excellent command of English
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Strong ability to collaborate within research teams
• Perseverance and a proven ability to bring projects to reliable completion
• High motivation and commitment to scientific excellence
• Willingness to travel, including participation in national and international conferences
• Solid knowledge of machine learning and artificial intelligence (in particular in the areas of bandits and reinforcement learning)
• Strong programming skills, preferably in Python.
• Experience with deep learning frameworks such as Jax, PyTorch, or TensorFlow.
• Excellent analytical skills and strong interest in developing a deep understanding of algorithms and methods
• Cooperative, team-oriented, and proactive working style

The following are also desirable:

• Experience with research methods in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence, as well as scientific writing
• Excellent academic record, ideally with initial research results in the area of the position, documented by publications or manuscripts in preparation
• Experience in university teaching
• International experience, * Abstract of Master's Thesis
• Degree certificates
• Transcript of records
• List of publications, evidence of teaching experience (if available)

Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 3.776,10 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience.

The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. They represent individuals driven by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With us, they find the space to try things out and unfold their potential. Are you inspired by their passion and determination?