2 positions for PhD-student in the Project “Sustainable and Easily Accessible AI”

About us

To develop robust methods for quantifying the diverse impacts of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) on sustainability across all ecological, economic, and social dimensions. This project will significantly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (United Nations, 2015). 

Your tasks

Special AI transfer topics in collaboration with the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI): interactive machine learning, explainability (XAI), transparency, fairness, robustness, machine teaching, information extraction (IE) and natural language processing (NLP), semantic web, common sense modelling, or hybrid cognitive technologies. 

Your profile

• A completed university degree (master’s or diploma (university)) in computer science, mathematics, computational linguistics, media informatics or a related discipline. State-of-the-art machine learning for image analysis, information extraction, and HCI / HRI concepts and algorithms for explainable human-in-the-loop machine learning; our research bridges perception, reasoning, and control by leveraging multimodal large foundation models, while ensuring cost-efficiency, explainability, and human-robot interaction and collaboration for example.
• Additional knowledge of deep learning platforms for image analysis (vision-language-action modeling, parameter-efficient fine-tuning, 3D/4D spatiotemporal data or design and implement experiments for robot-human collaboration in dynamic environments) and concepts for sustainability and health & wellbeing applications would be an asset. Other desirable skills include Python, with familiarity in PyTorch, ROS, and 3D/4D data libraries (e.g., Open3D, PCL).
• Well-developed communication skills, and willingness to work both independently and within our interdisciplinary research team
• Strong experience with experimental laboratory setups, hardware-software interfacing
• Excellent command of English (spoken and written)

We offer

• Integration into a dedicated team and an excellent scientific environment
• An excellent opportunity to make progress in the field of applied artificial intelligence
• Excellent opportunities to continue your personal and professional development
• Strong involvement in project cooperation with international and national partners, both from industry and research
• An experienced interdisciplinary team (20-30 professionals) that works on adjacent topics and is highly visible in related international research communities

Our standards

The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Further information

The Applied Artificial Intelligence group is headed by Prof. Dr. Daniel Sonntag.
There will be an opportunity for doctorate.
Applications close 14th of December 2025 (5pm GMT).