Doctoral Scholarship in Machine Learning and Optimization at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden

Summary

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, in collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, is offering a doctoral scholarship for a highly motivated candidate in Machine Learning and Optimization. This unique program leads to a joint doctoral degree from both prestigious institutions and involves a mandatory research stay at NTU.

The successful candidate will engage in developing new algorithms, formalizing theoretical foundations, and conducting experimental evaluations within the broad field of machine learning. Research areas include algorithmic knowledge discovery, graph mining, social network analysis, optimization for machine learning, representation learning, and fair, accountable, and transparent machine learning.

Scholarship Details

Research Area

The research will be broadly situated in machine learning, including (but not limited to):

• Algorithmic knowledge discovery
• Graph mining and social network analysis
• Optimization for machine learning
• Representation learning
• Fair, accountable, and transparent machine learning

Eligibility and Qualifications

Basic Eligibility (Swedish Higher Education Ordinance):

• Passed a second-cycle degree (e.g., a master’s degree), OR
• Completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, OR
• Acquired substantially equivalent knowledge through other means.

Specific Requirements:

• Ability to commit to a minimum 12-month research stay at NTU in Singapore.
• Mandatory English proficiency equivalent to English B/6.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master of Science degree (or about to receive) in computer science, machine learning, AI, data science, or a related area.
• Strong academic credentials, demonstrated by excellence in coursework or relevant projects.
• Highly motivated with a solid background in one or more of the following areas: algorithm design, machine learning, mathematical optimization, and learning theory.
• Strong programming skills for implementing and benchmarking algorithms.
• Self-driven and committed to producing and presenting high-quality research at top-tier venues (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, KDD).

Scholarship Description

This PhD position offers a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, leading to a joint doctoral degree from KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden) and Nanyang Technological University (Singapore). The doctoral student will be enrolled at KTH and will spend a significant period at NTU, benefiting from the expertise and resources of both institutions. The role involves developing cutting-edge algorithms and theoretical foundations within machine learning, with a focus on practical application and experimental evaluation. KTH offers a supportive environment with employee benefits and a competitive monthly salary.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply for the position and admission through KTH’s recruitment system. Ensure your application is complete and includes all required elements.

Required Application Documents:

• Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements. (Translations into English or Swedish required if original documents are not in these languages; certified copies of originals).
• CV, including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Application letter (maximum 2 pages) describing your motivation for research, academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals.
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Last Date for Application

October 22, 2026 (midnight, CET/CEST)

Apply Link

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