The Department of Computer and Systems Sciences (DSV) is one of the oldest IT departments in Sweden and one of the largest departments at Stockholm University with around 5 000 students. The discipline of computer and systems sciences bridges the gap between technology and the humanities, social sciences, and behavioral sciences. The use and design of IT is put in context in relation to people, organizations, and society. DSV offers a stimulating research environment in an international setting.

Project description 
Efficient Federated Learning in Complex Networks:
The incredible recent success of AI and machine learning largely builds on training models from massive data-sets. This training is traditionally done by a central node that has access to the entire data set. However, data is increasingly being collected and processed in complex networks, e.g., of smartphones, IoT devices, or hospitals. Due to privacy concerns and communication limitations, machine learning in such networks needs to be performed by distributed or federated algorithms where the nodes collaboratively train models without sharing their data. The goal of this project is to develop novel algorithms and analytical frameworks for federated learning and the related optimization algorithms. The project will focus on emerging applications in IoT networks and algorithms that efficiently use available computing and network resources. Depending on the candidate’s qualifications and scientific interests, the project can be directed towards algorithm development, applications and implementations, or underlying mathematical foundations, e.g. optimization and statistics.

Qualification requirements
In order to meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

In order to meet the specific entry requirements, the applicant must have completed courses at second-cycle level in Computer and systems sciences with a minimum of 90 higher education credits, or equivalent, including a thesis with a minimum of 15 higher education credits.

In addition, the applicant is required to have English language skills equivalent of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Level B2.

The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

Selection
The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:

• Independence in the analysis and organization of the earlier work
• Problem formulation and rigor in previous work and in the research plan
• Previously shown ability to keep the specified time limits
• Methodological and scientific maturity
• Communication and cooperation skills
• Subject specific knowledge relevant to education.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University are available at: www.su.se/rules and regulations.

Terms of employment 
Only a person who will be or has already been admitted to a third-cycle programme may be appointed to a doctoral studentship.

The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year. The employment may be extended for a maximum of two years at a time. However, the total period of employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time study.

Doctoral students should primarily devote themselves to their own education, but may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Please note that admission decisions cannot be appealed.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact
For more information, please contact senior lecturer Sindri Magnússon, sindri.magnusson@dsv.su.se, or the Director of PhD studies, Sirkku Männikkö-Barbutiu, sirkku@dsv.su.se.

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/Lärarförbundet), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se, seko@seko.su.se (SEKO), and PhD student representative, doktorandombud@sus.su.se.

Application
Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of degree projects/theses
• Project proposal/Research proposal (no more than 3 pages) describing:
  – why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement 
  – why and how you wish to complete the project 
  – what makes you suitable for the project in question
• Degree certificates and grades confirming that you meet the general and specific entry requirements (no more than 6 files)
• Letters of recommendation (no more than 3 files)
• Degree projects/theses (no more than 3 files).

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

You are welcome to apply!