Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.
The Department of Electronics and Information and Communication Technology in the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
Position
- You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of explainable reinforcement learning (XRL). Explainable reinforcement learning aims to make decisions, policies, and learning processes of reinforcement learning agents understandable to humans, leading to improved transparency, trust, safety, and regulatory compliance in high-stakes decision-making systems. Potential application domains include autonomous systems, robotics, flexible asset (e.g., storage, electric vehicles) management in smart grids, etc.
- You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
- You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for Department of Electronics and Information and Communication Technology.
Profile
- You hold a master’s degree in Computer Science, Informatics, Mathematics or closely related field, or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
- You can demonstrate excellent study results.
- Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
- Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
- You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
- You have a strong interest in machine learning/artificial intelligence.
- You have experience with deep learning.
- You have experience with reinforcement learning (preferred).
- You have experience with explainable and/or interpretable artificial intelligence (preferred).
- You have experience with coding in Python using deep learning toolkits (e.g., PyTorch).
- You have good analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- You are proficient in English (written and spoken).
What we offer
- We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation each year, the scholarship can be renewed for another three years.
- The planned start date is 1 January or as soon as possible after that date.
- Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
- You will receive eco vouchers, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
- As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
- You will do most of your work at City Campus (The Beacon) and Campus Groenenborger in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
- Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.
Want to apply?
- You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including August 16, 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
- a motivation letter
- your academic CV, including:
- a transcript of study results.
- two reference letters with appropriate contact details.
- an English proficiency certificate.
- A short research proposal aligned with your research interests on explainable reinforcement learning. Proposal is maximum 4 pages, excluding references.
- The research proposal should include: (1) problem statement and motivation, (2) expected novelty/impact, (3) brief approach (models, algorithms, datasets), (4) evaluation plan, and (5) alignment with IDLab research on reinforcement learning at the University of Antwerp.
- The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
- If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Kevin Mets, Assistant Professor, [email protected].
The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.
