Doctoral student in Explainable Machine Learning for Nuclear Safeguards

Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 363,000 - 435,000; Full time

Job summary

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg seeks a Doctoral student to develop and evaluate an Explainable AI framework for Spent Nuclear Fuel safeguards inspections. You will integrate XAI techniques and study semantic layers to produce explanations for inspectors, while advancing neural network robustness and training strategies.

The position includes teaching duties at up to 20% of time and requires strong English, a Master’s degree in a relevant field, and a collaborative, analytical

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (120 credits) in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science or equivalent.
• Strong written and spoken English.
• Background in ML, DL, Explainable AI, Reactor Physics or Nuclear Safeguards.
• Solid computational methods background and programming skills (Python).
• Collaborative mindset, analytical thinking and willingness to take responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Conduct doctoral research on an Explainable AI framework for SNF safeguards.
• Integrate XAI methods and study semantic layers to provide actionable explanations.
• Leverage XAI insights to guide ANN architectures and training strategies.
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Teach at the undergraduate level or perform other duties up to 20% time.

Skills

Python programming

English proficiency

Collaborative mindset

Analytical thinking

Machine Learning

Deep Learning

Explainable AI

Education

Master's degree in Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science

4-year Bachelor’s degree accepted for non-Sweden education

Tools

Python

Job description

Doctoral student in Explainable Machine Learning for Nuclear Safeguards

REF 2026-0498

Are you excited to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence in nuclear technology? Join us as a doctoral student to explorethe advanced frontier of AI-driven nuclear safeguards and enhance global nuclear safety and security.

About us

The Reactor Physics, Modelling and Safety group at Chalmers develops advanced methods for modelling, simulation, monitoring and safety analysis of current and next-generation nuclear reactors. Combining expertise in reactor physics, thermal-hydraulics, nuclear safeguards, diagnostic techniques and machine learning applied to nuclear technology, the group conducts both fundamental and applied research in collaboration with national and international partners across academia and industry.We are part of the Division of Subatomic, High Energy and Plasma Physics , at the Department of Physics and Astronomy , offering a dynamic and stimulating working environment.

About the research project

Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models are powerful tools for Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) safeguards inspection. However, their architectural and optimization complexity renders them black boxes, posing a challenge when making critical decisions, such asclassifying SNF as either consistent or inconsistent with declared information. In this doctoral research, you will investigate an Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) framework to enable transparency in ANN models and their predictions for SNF inspection, bridging high-performing machine learning with transparent nuclear verification.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master’s degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits* in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or equivalent.
• You have strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• You have background/experience in at least one of the following areas: Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Explainable AI, Reactor Physics, Nuclear Safeguards.
• You have a solid background in computational methods and strong programming skills (e.g., in Python).
• You thrive in a collaborative environmentand take responsibility for your work.
• You have a strong analytical mindset and enjoy complex challenges.

*for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.

What you will do

• Conduct doctoral research focused on exploring, testing, and evaluating an Explainable AI (XAI) framework for Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) safeguards inspection.
• Integrate various XAI methods and study semantic layers to aggregate predictions into actionable explanations for safeguards inspectors.
• Leverage XAI insights to guide ANN model architectures, optimize training strategies, and strengthen model robustness.
• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate research results through peer-reviewed journal publications and conference presentations.
• The position generally also includes teaching at Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours.

Contract terms

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
• The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.
• A starting salary of 35,725 SEK per month (valid from May 1, 2026).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .
• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here .

We welcome your application no later thanNovember 23, 2026

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position.

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture.With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.