PhD Position in Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning

UniBE is ambitious.
With us, you deliver top performance and test your skills against the best.

What You Can Expect
You will join an active, supportive, inclusive, and collaborative research environment at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. You will work on exciting fundamental questions at the interface of mathematics and modern AI and collaborate with national and international researchers. You will also contribute to teaching as a teaching assistant.

Employment conditions and remuneration are in accordance with the standards of the University of Bern, Switzerland.

Profile of the Candidate
Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a Master's degree in pure or applied mathematics, theoretical physics, statistics, or a related field.

We seek motivated candidates with a strong background in mathematics (e.g., in one or more of the following areas: analysis, probability theory, stochastic processes, statistical physics, optimal transport, dynamical systems, optimization, or machine learning theory), an interest in the mathematical principles underlying modern AI (or in related problems), the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and good written and spoken English. Knowledge of German is not required. Programming experience is beneficial but not required.

Application and Contact
Applications should include:
• a motivation letter (maximum one page);
• a curriculum vitae (maximum two pages);
• available BSc/MSc diplomas or academic transcripts;
• the names and contact details of one or two referees; and
• optional: a summary of the master's thesis (maximum two pages)

Review of applications will begin in the last week of August 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The earliest possible starting date is October 2026. The exact starting date will be agreed upon with the successful candidate.