Dr. Bart Bogaerts

The AI Lab of the Vrije Universiteit Brussels invites applications for a PhD position in computer science. This position focuses on algebraic methods to describe and unify semantics of knowledge representation languages.

The AI Lab of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel offers a strong research environment spanning a wide range of research topics such as reinforcement learning, game theory, natural language processing, evolution of speech, computational creativity, and knowledge representation and reasoning.

The PhD student will join the research group of Bart Bogaerts, whose research focuses on various aspects of knowledge representation and reasoning. The student will work on the AFTACK project, which aims to advance Approximation Fixpoint Theory on the one hand by extending the theoretical foundations, and on the other hand by expanding the range of application domains. In the current state, Approximation Fixpoint Theory (AFT) is an algebraical unifying study of semantics of nonmonotonic logics, based on lattice theory. It studies fixpoints of lattice operators by means of so-called approximating operators. In preliminary research, we identified several limitations of AFT specifically related to the types of approximations allowed. We will investigate how these limitations can be lifted, to enable a new, wide range of applications. Some potential application domains are function definitions, causal modelling, revision programming, bound-founded answer-set programming, abstract argumentation and multi-context systems. For people wanting to familiarize themselves with AFT, a good place to start is the first chapters of my PhD Dissertation.

The research will be performed in collaboration with the DTAI research team of the KU Leuven, in particular with Marc Denecker (one of the founding fathers of AFT) and Joost Vennekens.

We offer employment as a full-time doctoral researcher.

As an employee of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel you will work in a dynamic, diverse and multilingual environment. Our green campus is located in the centre of Brussels, the lively capital of Belgium and Europe. Depending on your experience and academic merits you will receive a salary according to the official pay scales. Hospitalisation insurance and free use of public transport for travel to and from work are standard employment benefits. We have extensive sporting facilities which are at your disposal and a nursery is within walking distance. More information is available at the VUB job website.

Contract: full-time research grant for one year, renewable on an annual basis for a maximum of four years. Extension of the contract is subject to the agreement of the doctoral committee. Remuneration is at the level of a full-time research assistant at a Flemish university (i.e. approximately € 2.000 net per month) depending on personal situation, and includes contributions for social security.

In principle, the position opens up starting from the first of january, 2021, but the starting date is flexible (preferrably at the latest October 2021).

To be eligible to apply for this position, applicants need to have or be close to obtaining an MSc degree. A suitable background is, for instance, a degree in computer science (with a strong mathematical foundation), or in mathematics.

The successful candidate is expected to have a strong background in mathematics, especially in mathematical logic and/or algebra. Problem solving skills and creativity are a must.

Applicants must be strongly motivated for doctoral studies; should possess the ability to work independently and perform critical analysis, and also have good levels of cooperative and communicative abilities. They must also have a very good command of English in writing and speaking to be able to participate in international collaborations and to publish and present research results in international conferences and journals.

The PhD candidate will be selected on the basis of their expertise, work experience, and qualifications. Use this form to apply. There is no application deadline. Applications will be evaluated continuously and the position will be filled as soon as a good candidate is found. When applying, please include

• A one-page motivation letter explaining the candidate’s interest in pursuing a PhD on the chosen topic
• curriculum vitae listing all academic qualifications, relevant research experience and previous publications

General information on doing a PhD in Brussels can be found at http://www.vub.ac.be/en/jobs. Information on the AI Lab can be found at http://ai.vub.ac.be.

For any inquiries with respect to the scientific part, please contact
Bart Bogaerts, Assistant Professor
+32 2 629 37 06
bart.bogaerts@vub.be