Postdoctoral Researcher in Rational Machine Learning: The Rational Intelligence Lab at CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security in Saarbrücken, Germany, invites applications for postdoctoral positions under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) 2025 Postdoctoral Fellowships. This is a prestigious opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge interdisciplinary research at the intersection of machine learning, statistics, and economic theory, with the overarching goal of enhancing the rationality, reliability, and trustworthiness of AI systems.
Summary Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Postdoctoral Researcher in Rational Machine Learning |
| Designation | Postdoctoral Fellow |
| Research Area | Machine Learning, Statistics, Economic Theory, AI Safety and Reliability |
| Location | CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security, Saarbrücken, Germany |
| Eligibility | PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Physics, or related fields |
| Application Deadline | September 10, 2025 |
| How to Apply | Email cover letter & CV to: muandet@cispa.de |
| Website | https://ri-lab.org |
Designation:
Postdoctoral Fellow
Research Area:
- Rational Machine Learning
- Statistics & Probabilistic Modelling
- Economic and Game-Theoretical Analyses of AI
- Trustworthy and Reliable AI Systems
- Generative AI and Large Predictive Models
- Causality, Counterfactual Reasoning, and Incentive Design in AI
Location:
CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security, Saarbrücken, Germany
An international hub near the borders of Germany, France, and Luxembourg.
Eligibility/Qualification:
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD (by the application deadline) in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Physics, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrate a strong publication record in top-tier ML venues (e.g., ICML, NeurIPS, EC, AAMAS, AAAI, ICLR, JMLR).
- Exhibit strong mathematical skills or programming expertise (ideally both).
- Show motivation to understand and improve the behavior of complex AI systems (e.g., recommendation systems, GenAI models, LLMs).
- Be eligible for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships: Check eligibility
Job Description:
As a postdoc at the Rational Intelligence Lab, you will engage in foundational research aimed at formalizing and improving the behavior of large-scale AI systems. Research topics may include (but are not limited to):
- Mathematical theory of abstraction and concept learning
- Causal and counterfactual reasoning in AI
- Game-theoretic models of human-AI interaction
- Incentive-aware AI design in open environments
- Uncertainty quantification in safety-critical AI systems
You will collaborate closely with the PI to define the research focus and work alongside researchers from CISPA, ELLIS Unit Saarbrücken, Saarland University, and international partners. The lab values interdisciplinary collaboration, openness, and diversity, and encourages applicants from underrepresented communities.
What We Offer:
- Access to a world-class research environment at CISPA
- Collaborations across Helmholtz AI Cooperation Unit and Saarland Informatics Campus
- Connections to Max Planck Institutes, DFKI, and international ELLIS partners
- A diverse and international work environment
- Academic freedom, research support, and no teaching obligations
- English as the primary working language
How to Apply:
- Confirm MSCA eligibility: Eligibility details
- Send the following documents to muandet@cispa.de:
- A Cover Letter detailing your motivation, research fit, and alignment with the Rational Intelligence Lab
- Your Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- If selected, the applicant and PI will collaboratively prepare the final MSCA fellowship proposal.
Last Date to Apply:
September 10, 2025
For more details about our research and values, visit:
📘 Publications: https://ri-lab.org/pubs/
💡 Core Values: https://ri-lab.org/values
