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At our department, which conducts research at the highest international level and offers several high-quality educational programs in Computer Science, we are now seeking a PhD student with a focus on Neuro-Symbolic Graph Transformation.

The Department of Computing Science has been growing rapidly in recent years, with a focus on creating an inclusive and bottom-up driven research environment.Ìý Our workplace consists of a diverse set of people from different nationalities, backgrounds and fields. As a PhD student working with us, you receive the benefits of support in career development, networking, administrative and technical support functions, along with good employment conditions. More information about the department is available at: /en/department-of-computing-science/

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Project description

Graph transformation is a well-established theory that studies computational methods to transform graphs in a stepwise manner by the application of simple rules which are discrete in nature. This project under the leadership of Professor Frank Drewes aims to integrate neural methods of computation, and thus continuous aspects, into rule-based models of graph transformation in order to combine the individual strengths of both paradigms. Rule-based models are transparent and explainable; they make sense to humans and are accessible to algorithmic techniques while neural models are adaptive and learnable. The aim of this project is to develop models which combine these advantages. The project includes both formalization and mathematical reasoning on the one hand, and implementation for the purpose of experiments and demonstration on the other hand.

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Admission requirements

The general admission requirements for doctoral studies are a second- cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.

To be admitted to doctoral studies in the field of computer science, the applicant must have completed courses totaling at least 90 ECTS Ìýin computer science or in subjects directly relevant to the specific specialization.

To be considered for this position, candidates must be familiar with

• the Theory of Computation, in particular formal languages and automata, and
• the mathematical and computational foundations of neural networks.

Familiarity with the following areas is meritorious:

• machine learning,
• computational complexity,
• tree automata and tree transductions, and
• the theory of graph transformation systems.

As a person, you are curious, open-minded, and both interested in and capable of formal reasoning. You are also able to implement the developed models in the form of prototypical software.

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About the position

The position provides you with the opportunity to pursue PhD studies in Computing Science for four years, with the goal of achieving the degree of Doctor in Computing Science. While the position is mainly devoted to PhD studies (at least 80% of the time), it may include up to 20% department service (usually teaching). If so, the total time for the position is extended accordingly, resulting in a maximum of five years.

The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (chapter 12, 2§) and the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed.

The expected starting date is 2 February 2026 or as otherwise agreed.

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Application

Applications must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system of Umeå University.

A complete application should contain the following documents:

• A cover letter including a description of your research interests, your reasons to apply for the position, and your contact information
• A curriculum vitae Copies of completed BSc and/or MSc theses and other relevant publications, if any
• Copies of degree certificates, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades
• Documentation and description of other relevant experiences or competences.Ìý
• Contact details of two persons who have agreed to provide referencesÌý

The application must be written in English or Swedish. Attached documents must be in pdf format. Applications must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system of Umeå University, and be received no later than 23 November 2025.

The Department of Computing Science values gender diversity, and therefore particularly encourages women and those outside the gender binary to apply for the position.

For additional information, please contact Professor Frank Drewes (drewes@cs.mu.se).

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