Supervisor

ScholarLink Inc.; Eindhoven; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

ScholarLink Inc. seeks a PhD candidate to join the DECIDE initiative at Eindhoven University of Technology.

The project focuses on transparent and explainable AI-based Decision Support Systems for sustainable mobility, engaging SMEs, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. The candidate will work under close supervision by TU/e faculty and collaborate across AI and social science disciplines to deliver societally impactful research.

Qualifications

• Experience with AI/ML research and explainable AI.
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary research methods.
• Programming skills in Python or similar.

Skills

Simulation

Programming

Empirical Social-Science Research

Job description

About the Position

This PhD project is part of the DECIDE initiative, focusing on developing transparent and explainable AI-based Decision Support Systems (AI-DSS) for sustainable mobility, empowering stakeholders like SMEs, entrepreneurs, and policymakers through interdisciplinary research combining AI and social sciences. The candidate will collaborate with societal partners, participate in interdisciplinary training, and contribute to innovative, societal-impact projects. The position involves close supervision by Dr. Yingqian Zhang, Dr. Hendrik Baier, and Dr. Plato Leung at the Eindhoven University of Technology.

Research Interests

• Conduct interdisciplinary research in AI, social sciences, and stakeholder engagement

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Simulation
• Programming
• Empirical Social-Science Research Methods

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for PhD in Transparent AI Decision Support Systems for Sustainable Mobility . A focused, well-structured draft you can edit.

Bio

Yingqian Zhang is an Associate Professor in the Information Systems group at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). His research interests focus on Artificial Intelligence in decision‑making, particularly in machine learning, deep reinforcement learning, trustworthy data‑driven optimization, and socially aware algorithms. He develops AI‑driven decision‑making approaches applicable in problem domains such as logistics, transportation, manufacturing, and public services. Dr. Zhang has received his PhD in Computer Science from the University of Manchester, UK, and has worked as an Assistant Professor at the Econometrics Institute at Erasmus University Rotterdam. He has also been a post‑doctoral researcher in the Algorithmics group at TU Delft and has served as a visiting professor at the Institute for Advanced Computer Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park, USA. Dr. Zhang is actively involved in several professional organizations, including being the Chair of the Benelux Association for Artificial Intelligence and serving on the Technical Board of the European Big Data Value Association. He is an associate editor for the journal "Annals of Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence" and is a yearly member of the technical program committees for major AI conferences such as IJCAI, AAAI, AAMAS, and ECAI. Additionally, he is part of the executive committee for the DSO working group under EURO, which aims to promote collaboration among AI communities in the field of machine learning and optimization.

Professor's Interests

Artificial Intelligence Decision-Making Machine Learning Deep Reinforcement Learning Data-Driven Optimization Socially Aware Algorithms

Requirements for Eindhoven University of Technology

Master Program

Requirements

GPA Requirement

Required: 3.4

IELTS

Required: 6

Reading

Required: 6

Writing

Required: 6

Speaking

Required: 6

Overall

Required: 6.5

TOEFL

Required: 21

Reading

Required: 21

Writing

Required: 21

Speaking

Required: 21

Total

Required: 90

PTE

Required: 65

Reading

Required: 65

Writing

Required: 65

Speaking

Required: 65

Overall

Required: 70

Prerequisites

Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline Specific subject knowledge related to the chosen program (e.g., Calculus, Linear Algebra) Maximum 15 ECTS deficiency for international applicants

Application Checklist

• Certified copy of Bachelor's degree and transcript
• Authenticated English/Dutch translation of documents
• Proof of English proficiency
• Two letters of reference
• Summary of Bachelor thesis/dissertation
• Concise course descriptions of relevant subjects
• Copy of passport
• Proof of payment of application fee (EUR 100)

Specific departments like Industrial Design require a portfolio. Programs like Data Science and AI require a GRE-General test for certain international backgrounds.