PhD Position in Cognitive Digital Twins, Knowledge Graphs, Edge Computing and Artificial Intelligence

KU LEUVEN; Belgique; Sur place; EUR 26 000 - 34 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

KU LEUVEN invites applications for a PhD research position at the Kulak campus in Kortrijk. The project investigates a Cognitive Digital Twin for offshore infrastructure, blending knowledge graphs, stream processing, AI and edge/cloud computing to understand data and operations.

Applicants hold a master's in Computer Science, AI or similar, enjoy independent work and teamwork, and are fluent in English. The position begins 1 January 2027 on a one-year contract with potential extension; the

Qualifications

• Masters in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence or similar.
• Interest in Logic, ML, Knowledge Graphs, Stream Processing, DB Theory, Edge processing.
• Both theoretical and practical prototype implementation.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Interest in cutting-edge research and presenting results.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written.

Responsabilités

• Based at KU Leuven Kulak campus in Kortrijk to pursue a PhD and conduct research.
• Contribute to education of students by supporting lectures and lab sessions.
• Engage in independent work and collaborative research with the lab.

Connaissances

Logic

Machine Learning

Knowledge Graphs

Stream Processing

Database Theory

Edge Computing

Algorithm Implementation

Formation

Master's degree in Computer Science

Description du poste

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Department faculty of engineering science Research Field Computer science » Computer systems Computer science » Database management Engineering » Computer engineering Engineering » Knowledge engineering Mathematics » Algorithms Mathematics » Mathematical logic Technology » Computer technology Technology » Knowledge technology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 30 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP-2026-598 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The PhD research investigates the realisation of a Cognitive Digital Twin for the monitoring of critical infrastructure at sea (offshore wind farms, energy islands, subsea cables and pipelines). The central question is how such a twin can truly understand its environment, both on the data level (what is being observed and what it means) and on the processing level (how observations are collected, analysed and turned into insight). To tackle this, the research blends ideas from knowledge graphs, stream processing, database theory, logic, edge and cloud computing, and Artificial Intelligence into a single coherent framework that truly understands its environment.

• You have a master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence or similar.
• You are interested in Logic, Machine Learning, Knowledge Graphs, Stream Processing, Database Theory, Edge processing and efficient implementation of algorithms.
• You are interested in both theoretical investigation and practical implementation of prototypes.
• You can work independently and collaborate well in a team.
• You have an interest in cutting-edge research, initiative, and enjoy presenting about the research that interests you.
• You can fluently express yourself in English, both spoken and written.

You will receive a PhD scholarship to join our lab and pursue your doctoral studies. Initially, this full-time position is offered on a one-year contract, with the possibility of extension based on your performance and the acquisition of additional funding. The ultimate objective is to complete your PhD within a four-year timeframe.
The research will be based at campus Kulak in Kortrijk. Next to the research within your PhD, you will contribute to the education of our students by supporting lectures and lab sessions. For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Pieter Bonte, mail: [e-mail] .

You will receive a PhD scholarship to join our lab and pursue your doctoral studies. Initially, this full-time position is offered on a one-year contract, with the possibility of extension based on your performance and the acquisition of additional funding. The ultimate objective is to complete your PhD within a four-year timeframe.
The research will be based at campus Kulak in Kortrijk. Next to the research within your PhD, you will contribute to the education of our students by supporting lectures and lab sessions.

Eligibility criteria

• You have a master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence or similar.
• You are interested in Logic, Machine Learning, Knowledge Graphs, Stream Processing, Database Theory, Edge processing and efficient implementation of algorithms.
• You are interested in both theoretical investigation and practical implementation of prototypes.
• You can work independently and collaborate well in a team.
• You have an interest in cutting-edge research, initiative, and enjoy presenting about the research that interests you.
• You can fluently express yourself in English, both spoken and written.