Doctoral Researcher in Trustworthy Machine Learning

About the role

Aalto University's Department of Computer Science is recruiting a doctoral researcher (PhD student) in trustworthy machine learning within the Trustworthy & Adversarial Computing Lab, led by Professor Sebastian Szyller. The position is fully funded (2+2 model) and focuses on the provenance and integrity of machine learning models and pipelines, including verifiable, provable and auditable ML, AI/MLBOM, and proof-carrying in ML. Teaching participation follows standard department practice. The expected start date is January 2027 or sooner if available.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out state-of-the-art research in trustworthy machine learning
• Prepare and publish manuscripts at leading conferences and journals
• Present work at academic and industry events
• Collaborate with researchers locally and internationally
• Participate in teaching according to standard department practices

Required profile

• Excellent programming skills in Python, with demonstrable familiarity with PyTorch
• Experience working on shared codebases
• Excellent applied mathematics skills, especially probability theory, matrix algebra and calculus
• Strong teamwork, collaboration, critical and independent thinking skills
• Good fit: ML experience with interest in security/privacy, or a security/privacy background applied to ML, or experience in explainable/fair ML and/or software supply chains
• Prior experience in trustworthy ML and/or publications in ML, security or privacy are an advantage
• Master's degree completed before the start of the contract

What we offer

• Fully funded position under a two-year fixed-term appointment with an option for two-year renewal
• Starting salary of 3,168 EUR per month
• Occupational health benefits and access to Finland's social security system

Applications are submitted through the university's recruitment system (Workday) with CV, short bio, draft research plan, transcripts and MSc thesis, recommendation letters, and later the bachelor's and master's diplomas. The application deadline is 31 October 2026.