PhD Position in Cognitive Digital Twins for Offshore Infrastructure Monitoring
Develop AI-driven cognitive digital twins for real-time monitoring of offshore energy infrastructure using knowledge graphs and edge computing.
Best for:Best for master’s graduates in Computer Science, AI, or related fields with a passion for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of knowledge graphs, distributed systems, and AI-driven data processing.
Overview
This PhD position at KU Leuven’s Stream Intelligence Lab focuses on creating a **cognitive digital twin** capable of autonomously understanding and processing data from critical offshore infrastructure like wind farms, energy islands, and subsea pipelines. The project integrates knowledge graphs, stream processing, logic, edge/cloud computing, and AI to build a framework that interprets environmental observations and translates them into actionable insights. The successful candidate will conduct both theoretical research and practical prototyping while contributing to teaching at the Science and Technology campus in Kortrijk. The position offers a four-year PhD scholarship with a one-year probationary period, followed by potential extensions based on performance and funding acquisition.
What you'll do
- Design and implement a cognitive digital twin framework capable of autonomously interpreting data from offshore infrastructure (e.g., wind farms, energy islands, subsea pipelines).
- Develop algorithms and models integrating knowledge graphs, stream processing, and logic to enable real-time environmental understanding and insight generation.
- Prototype and test solutions in edge/cloud computing environments to ensure scalability and efficiency for large-scale offshore monitoring systems.
- Collaborate with the Stream Intelligence Lab to advance theoretical and practical advancements in AI-driven infrastructure monitoring.
- Support undergraduate and graduate teaching by assisting in lectures and lab sessions at KU Leuven’s Science and Technology campus.
- Present research findings at conferences and workshops to disseminate knowledge within the academic and industry communities.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field (e.g., Informatics, Mathematics, or Physics with a strong computational focus).
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; fluency in both spoken and written English is mandatory.
Instruction: English
- Proven expertise in knowledge graphs, stream processing, or database theory.
- Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, Java, or equivalent) for algorithmic implementation.
- Familiarity with edge/cloud computing architectures and distributed systems.
- Experience with logic-based reasoning or AI techniques (e.g., machine learning, rule-based systems).
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research lab environment.
- No specific nationality or residency restrictions mentioned.
- Open to applicants from any country with a master’s degree in the relevant field.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-30 (Europe/Brussels)
Interested applicants must submit their application through KU Leuven’s official job portal. The application should include a CV, a motivation letter, and academic transcripts. Additional documents such as reference letters may be requested during the evaluation process.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc)
- 3 reference letters (if required)
Contact
Pieter Bonte· Supervisor
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