PhD position in Explainable AI (R1)

Job Reference

325_25_CS_HPES_R1

Position

PhD position in Explainable AI (R1)

Closing Date

Friday, 09 May, 2025

Reference: 325_25_CS_HPES_R1

Job title: PhD position in Explainable AI (R1)

About BSC

The Barcelona Supercomputing Center - Centro Nacional de Supercomputación (BSC-CNS) is the leading supercomputing center in Spain. It houses MareNostrum, one of the most powerful supercomputers in Europe, was a founding and hosting member of the former European HPC infrastructure PRACE (Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe), and is now hosting entity for EuroHPC JU, the Joint Undertaking that leads large-scale investments and HPC provision in Europe. The mission of BSC is to research, develop and manage information technologies in order to facilitate scientific progress. BSC combines HPC service provision and R&D into both computer and computational science (life, earth and engineering sciences) under one roof, and currently has over 1000 staff from 60 countries.

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We are particularly interested for this role in the strengths and lived experiences of women and underrepresented groups to help us avoid perpetuating biases and oversights in science and IT research. In instances of equal merit, the incorporation of the under-represented sex will be favoured.

We promote Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, fostering an environment where each and every one of us is appreciated for who we are, regardless of our differences.

If you consider that you do not meet all the requirements, we encourage you to continue applying for the job offer. We value diversity of experiences and skills, and you could bring unique perspectives to our team.

Context And Mission

The Computer Architecture and Operating System group at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center aims at carrying out research on programming models for critical embedded systems in charge of controlling fundamental parts of cars, airplanes and satellites. Our work is mainly done in the context of bilateral projects with several processor companies as well as several European-funded projects. For a complete list of publications of the group in the last years, please visit: www.bsc.es/caos

The present Research Engineer and PhD Student position integrates cutting-edge research with hands-on implementation, focusing on Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI). The role entails developing and implementing transparent AI models for decision support environments, emphasizing real-world applicability. Responsibilities span designing models for clear explanations, testing on real platforms, studying generalization mechanisms, and managing uncertainty in AI systems. The objective is to contribute substantively to XAI, bridging theory and practice for enhanced decision support in dynamic environments.

Key Duties

• Conduct a thorough study on explainability methodologies in artificial intelligence.
• Design a self-explanatory model (with a focus on neural networks) capable of providing clear and understandable explanations for decisions and internal processes.
• Undertake a theoretical study on generalization mechanisms in artificial intelligence models.
• Ensure proper management of uncertainty as a foundational step to enhance confidence and interpretation of results.
• Design specific models and strategies for communication of explainability in the context of explainable artificial intelligence.
  
  

Requirements

• Education
• Master’s Degree on Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or similar
• Bachelor’s Degree on Mathematics, Computer Science, or similar
• Essential Knowledge and Professional Experience
• AI Engineering, Data Scientist, Statistics
• Explainable AI Techniques
• Additional Knowledge and Professional Experience
• Experience on Python programming and TensorFlow, Pytorch or JAX frameworks
• Experience on LaTeX, PySpark is welcome
• Competences
• Problem-solving, pro-active, result-oriented work attitude
• Good communication skills including a good command of the English language (written and spoken)
  

Conditions

• The position will be located at BSC within the Computer Sciences Department
• We offer a full-time contract (37.5h/week), a good working environment, a highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure, flexible working hours, extensive training plan, restaurant tickets, private health insurance, support to the relocation procedures
• Duration: Open-ended contract due to technical and scientific activities linked to the project and budget duration
• Holidays: 23 paid vacation days plus 24th and 31st of December per our collective agreement
• Salary: we offer a competitive salary commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate and according to the cost of living in Barcelona
• Starting date: 01/07/2025
  
  

Applications procedure and process

All applications must be submitted via the BSC website and contain:

• A full CV in English including contact details
• A cover/motivation letter with a statement of interest in English, clearly specifying for which specific area and topics the applicant wishes to be considered. Additionally, two references for further contacts must be included. Applications without this document will not be considered.
  
  

Development of the recruitment process

The selection will be carried out through a competitive examination system ("Concurso-Oposición"). The recruitment process consists of two phases:

• Curriculum Analysis: Evaluation of previous experience and/or scientific history, degree, training, and other professional information relevant to the position. - 40 points
• Interview phase: The highest-rated candidates at the curriculum level will be invited to the interview phase, conducted by the corresponding department and Human Resources. In this phase, technical competencies, knowledge, skills, and professional experience related to the position, as well as the required personal competencies, will be evaluated. - 60 points. A minimum of 30 points out of 60 must be obtained to be eligible for the position.
  
  

The recruitment panel will be composed of at least three people, ensuring at least 25% representation of women.

In accordance with OTM-R principles, a gender-balanced recruitment panel is formed for each vacancy at the beginning of the process. After reviewing the content of the applications, the panel will begin the interviews, with at least one technical and one administrative interview. At a minimum, a personality questionnaire as well as a technical exercise will be conducted during the process.

The panel will make a final decision, and all individuals who participated in the interview phase will receive feedback with details on the acceptance or rejection of their profile.

At BSC, we seek continuous improvement in our recruitment processes. For any suggestions or comments/complaints about our recruitment processes, please contact [email protected].

For more information, please follow this link.

Deadline

The vacancy will remain open until a suitable candidate has been hired. Applications will be regularly reviewed and potential candidates will be contacted.

OTM-R principles for selection processes

BSC-CNS is committed to the principles of the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers of the European Commission and the Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment principles (OTM-R). This is applied for any potential candidate in all our processes, for example by creating gender-balanced recruitment panels and recognizing career breaks etc.

BSC-CNS is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by applicable state or local law.

For more information follow this link

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