PhD Position: Geometry and physics-based inductive bias for robust and explainable foundational[...]

Karlstad University; Torino; In loco; EUR 50.000 - 70.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

An innovative research institute in Torino is offering a fully funded PhD position focusing on geometry and physics-based inductive biases for foundational models. Candidates should possess an excellent Master’s degree in computer science or a related field, along with a strong background in machine learning, programming skills in Python, and fluency in English. This role involves conducting research and publishing findings while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Applications are managed by a partner university.

Servizi

Access to high-performance computing resources

Financial support for attending conferences

Dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment

Competenze

• Must have skills in computer science or related field.
• Background in machine learning and robotics necessary.
• Fluency in English required for communication.

Mansioni

• Conduct research on Riemannian embeddings and curvature-based attention mechanisms.
• Develop and evaluate geometry- and physics-based models.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Conoscenze

Excellent Master’s degree in computer science, physics, mathematics, electrical or mechatronics engineering, or a related field

Strong background in machine learning and robotics

Good programming skills in Python

Fluent in spoken and written English

Team player, but able to work autonomously

Experience with scientific writing

Formazione

Master’s degree

Descrizione del lavoro

PhD Position: Geometry and physics-based inductive bias for robust and explainable foundational models – AI4I

Deadline December 17th 2025 at 12:00 (noon – CET)

Curriculum Hostile and Unstructured Environments (CODE 11660), Topic number 2

Hosting Institution AI4I – The Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence

Funding Scheme This doctorate grant is fully funded by The Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I) in collaboration with Università degli Studi di Genova

Position Description

The Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I), in collaboration with Università degli Studi di Genova, invites applications for a PhD position in Geometry and physics-based inductive bias as part of the PhD Programme in Hostile and Unstructured Environments.

Recent research highlights the promising potential of geometry‑aware and physics‑informed attention mechanisms, and the power of differential geometry in the analysis and refinement of foundational models. This PhD will study the properties of Riemannian embeddings in large multimodal models, exploring how different curvatures can accommodate and associate inter‑connected tokens. We will design geometry‑, physics‑, and control‑based attention mechanisms to capture complex perception‑action interactions, potentially leading to new models that leverage physics‑aware, curved spaces to better abstract and disentangle information from multimodal perception systems. The developed methods will be applied to general foundational models, vision‑action large models for robotics, and related areas.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on Riemannian embeddings and curvature‑based attention mechanisms. • Develop and evaluate geometry‑ and physics‑based models for multimodal foundational systems. • Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at international conferences. • Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams and industry partners. • Contribute to the dissemination of results through workshops, tutorials, and open‑source releases.

Requirements

1. Must have skills:

• Excellent Master’s degree in computer science, physics, mathematics, electrical or mechatronics engineering, or a related field
• Strong background in machine learning and robotics
• Good programming skills in Python
• Fluent in spoken and written English
• Team player, but able to work autonomously
• Experience with scientific writing

Good to have skills:

• Background in applied differential geometry
• Publication of peer‑reviewed research papers

References

• A. Testa et al. “Geometric Contact Flows: Contactomorphisms for Dynamics and Control”, ICML, 2025.
• N. He, et al. “Beyond Euclidean: Foundation Models Should Embrace Non‑Euclidean Geometries”, WWW, 2025.
• H. Ding et al. “Fast and Robust Visuomotor Riemannian Flow Matching Policy”, Transactions on Robotics, 2025.

Number of Positions Available

1

Application Documents

• One‑page cover letter including a short (two‑paragraph) research proposal related to the PhD topic and aligned with your professional interests.
• Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas with transcripts and grades.

Main Research Site

AI4I – The Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence
Corso Castelfidardo 22, 10129 Torino, Italy

What We Offer

• Access to high‑performance computing resources and advanced research infrastructure.
• Opportunities for international collaboration and contributions to high‑impact publications.
• A dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment.
• Financial support for attending international conferences and Winter/Summer schools.

Start Date

1st March 2026

How to Apply

Applications for this position are managed by Università degli Studi di Genova. Please apply via the university’s official PhD admissions portal.