Unlock Your Future: Fully-Funded PhD Opportunity in Human-Centered Explainable AI (XAI) at KU Leuven, Belgium



KU Leuven is thrilled to present an outstanding opportunity for a fully-funded PhD position in the fascinating field of Human-Centered Explainable AI (XAI), under reference number BAP-2024-533. This position is part of a cutting-edge interdisciplinary research project, bringing together expertise from the Augment team within the Department of Computer Science, the LIRIS research group at the Faculty of Economics and Business, and the tutorial services of the Faculty of Engineering Science. The project is led by an accomplished team of supervisors: Dr. Katrien Verbert, Dr. Monique Snoeck, and Dr. Tinne De Laet.

Why Explainable AI Matters

In recent years, Explainable AI (XAI) has emerged as a vital area of study as AI and machine learning models grow increasingly complex. These sophisticated models often function as black boxes, making it difficult for users—especially non-experts—to understand how decisions are made. This project aims to break down these barriers by developing new methods to make AI systems more transparent and user-friendly.
While existing XAI methods have made strides, they often fall short when it comes to providing deep insight into AI decision-making, especially for users without technical backgrounds. This PhD project seeks to revolutionize XAI by crafting interactive explainability tools that empower non-experts to both understand and provide meaningful feedback on AI model decisions.

What This Research Will Achieve

The project will delve into four main types of explanation methods currently used in XAI:

  1. Visualizations: Presenting AI model processes in graphical form.
  2. Knowledge Extraction: Deriving rules that mimic the model’s decision-making.
  3. Influence Methods: Estimating the importance of different features in a model’s outcomes.
  4. Example-Based Explanations: Offering comparisons to similar cases to clarify AI decisions.

Despite these approaches, there remains a significant gap in how well they explain complex AI models to non-experts. The research will aim to close this gap by focusing on the following objectives:

  • Developing Interactive Explanations: Designing new ways to make AI model outcomes clearer to users with minimal technical expertise.
  • Enhancing Current Explanation Methods: Combining multiple explanation types for a more holistic understanding of AI decisions.
  • Empowering Non-Experts: Creating tools that allow users to give feedback that can improve the models, based on the insights they gain from the explanations.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking ambitious, highly motivated candidates who are eager to push the boundaries of XAI. Ideal applicants will have:

  • A Master’s degree in Computer Science or a closely related field.
  • Strong programming skills and the ability to carry out independent research.
  • A deep interest in human-computer interaction and language models.
  • A proven ability to work collaboratively in a team.
  • High proficiency in both written and spoken English.

What We Offer

This fully-funded PhD position is available immediately, and the research will be based at KU Leuven’s Department of Computer Science and Faculty of Economics and Business, located at the Heverlee campus. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to research at the forefront of AI explainability, with a supportive academic environment and access to world-class resources.

If you’re interested in applying, the deadline is August 28, 2024. For more details and to submit your application, please visit KU Leuven's online application portal. If you have any specific questions, feel free to reach out to the project supervisors:

Embracing Diversity

KU Leuven is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment where diversity is celebrated. We believe that a diverse community is crucial for advancing research and innovation. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and are ready to assist with any questions about accessibility or support needs.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of AI

This PhD position offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in the field of AI by improving how everyday users interact with and understand complex AI models. If you're ready to help shape the future of explainable AI, we encourage you to apply and be part of this groundbreaking research project.

Take the leap—this opportunity could be your next big career move in the world of AI research!

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