PhD Position in Explainable Combinatorial Optimization
Join a leading AI group to develop human-understandable explanations for combinatorial optimization solvers and proofs.
Best for:Best for candidates with a master's degree in computer science or mathematics, strong programming skills, and a passion for logic-based methods and AI explainability.
Overview
This fully-funded PhD position offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of declarative problem solving, combinatorial optimization, and explainable AI. The successful candidate will join Bart Bogaerts' research group within the Declarative Languages and Artificial Intelligence (DTAI) section at KU Leuven. The project focuses on developing methods to generate human-understandable explanations for decisions made by combinatorial optimizers, addressing critical needs for trust, auditability, and regulatory compliance. The work spans theoretical investigations, algorithmic innovations, and practical applications, with a strong emphasis on linking formal proofs to intuitive explanations. The position includes a competitive scholarship, travel funding for conferences, and a flexible start date in early 2027.
What you'll do
- Investigate the relationship between formal proofs and human-understandable explanations in combinatorial optimization
- Develop explanation methods at varying levels of abstraction for solver outputs
- Design and implement algorithms to modify solver processes for easier extraction of explanations
- Create domain-specific explanation techniques tailored to real-world applications
- Collaborate with the research group to integrate explanations into existing solver frameworks
- Publish findings in top-tier conferences and journals in AI and optimization
- Present research results at international conferences and workshops
- Contribute to open-source tools and datasets related to explainable combinatorial optimization
Requirements
Degree required: MSc in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a closely related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency required for academic communication and writing
Instruction: English
- Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or similar languages
- Solid background in algorithms, data structures, and complexity theory
- Proficiency in logic-based methods or declarative problem solving
- Fluency in English for academic communication and writing
- Applicants must hold a master's degree before the position start date
- No nationality restrictions; international applicants are encouraged
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-09-30
Prepare a CV, cover letter, research statement, and transcripts. Submit your application via email to Prof. Bart Bogaerts at bart.bogaerts@kuleuven.be. Include a brief statement of interest and any relevant publications or code repositories. Ensure your application demonstrates your programming skills and alignment with the project's goals.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Research statement
- MSc and BSc transcripts
- Contact details for 2-3 academic references
Contact
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