% PhD Studentship in Computer Science % Studentship start date: January 2018 % Application deadline: September 30, 2017

# Funding amount

Fee waiver and a stipend of £16,000 per annum for a Home (UK/EU) student

# Position Summary Applications are invited for a cutting-edge 3-year Ph.D. project in the Department of Computer Science, University of Surrey, UK in a number of areas, including machine learning especially deep learning and neural networks, complex systems, and evolutionary computation, with application to biomedicine, transport, security and design optimisation.

Applications are particularly welcome to one of the following highlighted projects:

1. Neural networks for biomedicine. The project will focus on constructing a framework for the formulation of bio-inspired learning rules for deep learning neural networks. Its aim is to develop a mathematical and conceptual framework within which bio-inspired learning algorithms can be formulated clearly and concisely for ease of their application, understanding, and generalisation. This project will build upon an ongoing project, namely the Human Brain Project (HBP), a multi-billion Flagship project funded by the EU Horizon 2020. This project area will be co-supervised by Dr Clive Cheong Took and Dr André Grüning.

2. Modelling and controlling the dynamics and time evolution of complex systems. The aim of this PhD is to develop a computational framework for maximising the effect of external interventions in a complex system, and do so in a predictable and trusted manner. Such systems include: transportation networks; social networks; multi-modal patient care systems; social-ecological systems; and many others where there are no single points of control or failure. The core objective is to bring together formal verification and machine learning and develop approaches that allow model checking and scenario appraisal in complex systems. This project area will be co-supervised by Dr Sotiris Moschoyiannis and Dr Clive Cheong Took.

For more about the NICE group, see http://www.surrey.ac.uk/cs/research/nice.

# Department of Computer Science

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Surrey, within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, has an international reputation for research and teaching. Our research excellence is reflected from the fact that Surrey’s research in computer science has been consistently ranked World Top 150 and UK Top 10 in the SJTU ARWU Subject Ranking in Computer Science since 2012. Similarly, Surrey’s Computer Science subject is ranked at 6 th position in the UK according to the latest Guardian University Guide 2018, which focuses more on teaching excellence. Research in the Department is focused on two main areas: Nature Inspired Computing and Engineering (NICE) and Secure Systems. The NICE group is internationally leading in the area of evolutionary computation, machine learning, brain-inspired computing and complex systems with application to optimisation, data analytics, image processing, swarm robotics, healthcare and bioinformatics. The Secure Systems 1 International (non-UK/EU) students are also eligible to apply, but will be expected to bring additional funding to cover the difference (currently £14,815 per year) between UK/EU and international fees: see https://www.surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgr-fees.

# Qualifications

To apply you should have at least an upper second class honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in Computer Science, or a suitable technical science or engineering subject such as Computer Engineering and Electronic Engineering. Preference will be given to those with appropriate MSc or equivalent research/industrial experience in relevant areas. Experience in a relevant area is not required, but advantageous.

The candidate is expected to have solid mathematical knowledge, including calculus and linear algebra. Hands-on skills in one of the programming languages is expected, such as Matlab, Python, Java, or C/C++. In addition, the applicant must have good communication skills and be fluent in English. We look for a candidate that is self-motivated, engaging, and is a team player.

# Application Procedure

The application process requires the submission of a CV, two letters of recommendation or contact information of two referees, copies of degree certificates and transcripts from all university-level courses taken. More information about how to apply can be found in the Computer Science PhD page by clicking on the ‘apply online’ button.

In addition to the above, as part of your application, you are also required to upload the following documents:

- Statement of purpose (1-3 pages) where you introduce yourself, explain why you want to pursue a PhD, present your qualifications and describe your future research plans; - Research proposal describing your research area of interest and motivation in one of the relevant areas.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted directly to arrange a suitable time for an interview.

For any questions regarding the application process or an informal discussion about the position especially the highlighted projects, please contact the named supervisors of the specific project given before. For more general queries about the studentship contact Dr Andre Gruning a.gruning@surrey.ac.uk

Surrey continuously strives to be an attractive employer. We acknowledge, understand and embrace diversity.

# Useful links:

Potential PhD Supervisors and their research interest and publications: - https://www.surrey.ac.uk/cs/people/clive_cheong_took/ - https://www.surrey.ac.uk/cs/people/andre_gruning/ - https://www.surrey.ac.uk/cs/people/sotiris_moschoyiannis/ - https://www.surrey.ac.uk/cs/people/yaochu_jin - https://www.surrey.ac.uk/cs/people/paul_krause - https://www.surrey.ac.uk/cs/people/hongying_tang

PhD in Computer Science at Surrey: - http://www.surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate/computer-science-phd - https://www.surrey.ac.uk/department-computer-science/study/postgraduate-rese... - https://www.surrey.ac.uk/department-computer-science/study/postgraduate-rese...

The NICE group - http://www.surrey.ac.uk/cs/research/nice

-- Brief? Here's why: http://emailcharter.orghttp://emailcharter.org/

Dr Andre Gruning Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) Postgraduate Research Director Department of Computer Science University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH United Kingdom