Open positions
(Tokyo or Kyoto, Japan)

2+ postdoc researchers (max 5 years) and 4+ Ph.D. students in formal methods and control theory for AI-intensive cyber-physical systems in Kyoto or Tokyo, Japan

Description

We are seeking 2+ postdoc researchers and 4+ Ph.D. candidates who collaborate with us in the project "CyPhAI: Formal Analysis and Design of AI-intensive Cyber-Physical Systems" funded by JST. This project aims at establishing mathematically-solid methodologies to model, verify, test, monitor, and control a cyber-physical system in which AI plays crucial role (AI-CPS). Successful candidates will work with Kohei Suenaga (Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan) or Masako Kishida (National Institute of Informatics, Tokyo, Japan) on this project. The contract will initially run until the end of March 2021, with the possibility of annual renewal at maximum 5 years.

The main research topic of Suenaga's team will be learning for AI-CPS and verification of AI-CPS. The expected research topic includes (but is not limited to) the following: (1) application of machine learning to synthesize the design of AI-CPS, (2) efficient machine learning for AI components in AI-CPS, and (3) (quantitative/statistical) model checking for AI-CPS.

The main research topic of Kishida's team will be the control theory and method for AI-CPS. The expected research topic includes (but is not limited to) the following: (1) application of machine learning for designing a controller and (2) control for machine-learned components.

Positions

Postdoc researchers (Closed)

You will pursue your research agenda in line with the project’s goal of applying formal methods to manufacturing. You need a Ph.D. degree (or to be close to completion) and a proven publication record. The experience of active interdisciplinary collaboration is highly desirable. The annual gross salary is determined according to the rules of the hiring instiution based on your qualifications. Insurances are covered according to the rules of the hiring institutions.

Research Assistants (Ph.D. Students)

We also invite students who will pursue their Ph.D. degrees under the supervision of Kohei or Masako. We may be able to cover your tuition and living expenses, although it’s been the norm for Ph.D. students in Japan to cover these expenses by themselves; the salary will be as competitive as that of JSPS Research fellowships. You need to pass the entrance examination conducted by the institution that your prospective supervisor belongs to.

Those who consider applying for a Ph.D. position at Kishida group should read https://www.nii.ac.jp/graduate/en/entrance/schedule/ carefully for the schedule.

Workplace

Members of Suenaga’s group will work at Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan. Members of Kishida’s group will work at the National Institute of Informatics, Tokyo, Japan.

Qualifications

A successful applicant must satisfy the following requirements.

Postdoc researchers

• He/She must have a Ph.D. degree or must be very close to its completion.

• He/She must be (self-)motivated, dedicated, open-minded, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.

• He/She must have strong communication skills in oral/written English due to the international and interdisciplinary nature of our project.

• He/She must be an expert of the following area.

• If you work in Suenaga’s group: One or more among the following areas: formal verification and/or testing of software and/or hybrid systems; verification and/or testing of machine-learning systems.

• If you work in Kishida’s group: One or more among the following areas: control theory with rigorous mathematics; learning based control for cyber-physical systems; symbolic control; hybrid systems.

Ph.D. students

• He/She must be (self-)motivated, dedicated, open-minded, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.

• He/She must have strong communication skills in oral/written English due to the international and interdisciplinary nature of our project.

• He/She must be familiar with the following areas.

• If you work in Suenaga’s group: One or more among the following areas: formal verification and/or testing of software and/or hybrid systems; verification and/or testing of machine-learning systems.

• If you work in Kishida’s group: One or more among the following areas: control theory with rigorous mathematics; learning based control for cyber-physical systems; symbolic control; hybrid systems.

• You have to pass the university's entrance exam as well before/after contacting us. For those interested in working in Kishida's group, please refer to the admission page also https://www.nii.ac.jp/graduate/en/

Applications and inquiries

Applications should be sent to application-cyphai [at] fos.kuis.kyoto-u.ac.jp, with the subject CREST Job Application. Please include

1. your brief CV,

2. short description of research interests (can be very informal and short),

3. the list of papers (a dblp or Google scholar link will do, for example),

4. a couple of representative papers (in pdf), and

5. (preferably) the contact of two references.

We will contact you for further material and interview, provided that we find sufficient relevance in your application. Starting dates are flexible. The positions will remain open until filled. The project ends in March 2026.

Inquiries should also be sent to application-cyphai [at] fos.kuis.kyoto-u.ac.jp, with the subject CREST Job Inquiry.