Doctoral Researcher in Logical Reasoning and Machine Learning

The logic and learning (LOL) group is recruiting a PhD student funded by ELLIS institute Finland. You will work with Associate Professor Andrew Cropper. We work on combining logical reasoning and machine learning. We focus on inductive logic programming (ILP), which learns logical rules from data. We primarily use automated reasoning techniques, such as SAT/ASP/SMT/MaxSAT solvers, to learn rules from data.

A start date before September 2026 is ideal but is flexible. The application deadline is February 5, 2026 (at 23:59 UTC +2).

Requirements

– A master’s degree in computer science or a related topic
– Prior experience in logic is desirable
– Excellent English skills

In addition, according to the system of the University of Helsinki, all doctoral researchers belong to a doctoral programme. The successful candidate should apply to Doctoral Programme in Science and obtain the study right within the trial period of six months of their employment contract. Please check the admission periods and eligibility criteria athttps://www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions-and-education/apply-doctoral-programmes/how-apply-doctoral-programmes.

We offer

– The opportunity to do fundamental research
– A world class academic community that promotes diversity, international engagement and equality. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions.
– 4-year full-time contract
– A starting salary of ca. 2700 euros/month. The salary will develop in accordance with the progress of studies and be 3600-3800 euros/month by the end of the contract.
– Occupational health care and other social benefits
– Support for internationally recruited employees with their transition to work and live in Finland
– A chance to live in Helsinki and Finland renowned for their high-quality of life, services, and work-life balance

Application instructions

Applications shall be submitted through the University of Helsinki´s recruitment system and include the following documents:

– CV
– Transcripts from previous degrees
– A motivation letter (max 2 pages)
– Contact information of two referees to provide reference letters upon request

External applicants, please submit your application via the Apply Now button.

Internal applicants, who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment/grant/visitor contract, please submit your application via the Employee login button.

Additional information

For more information on the position and the logic and learning (LOL) group, please contact Associate Professor Andrew Cropper (andrew.cropper@helsinki.fi).

With technical questions related to the recruitment system, please contact recruitment@helsinki.fi.

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The Department of Computer Science is a leading unit in Finland in its area and responsible for the teaching and research in computer science at the University of Helsinki. The main research fields at the department are artificial intelligence, big data frameworks, bioinformatics, data analysis, data science, discrete and machine learning algorithms, distributed, intelligent, and interactive systems, networks, security, and software and database systems. The department has extensive international collaboration with companies and universities. Within teaching, the departments professors and staff are in charge of the Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral Programmes in Computer Science, as well as the separate Masters Programme in Data Science, in which other departments also participate.

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