PhD position on Causal Machine Learning for Industrial Root Cause Analysis

(ref. BAP-2026-290)
Laatst aangepast: 16/05/26

Project

We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic, passionate, and communicative researcher, with a proactive and creative attitude who is eager to explore innovative solutions. If you recognize yourself in the story below, then you have the profile that fits the project and the research group:

• I have a Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Electrical Engineering, Mathematical Engineering or a related field and performed well above average in comparison to my peers.
• I am proficient in written and spoken English.
• During my courses or prior professional activities, I have gathered experience with machine/deep learning, and can demonstrate a strong affinity with these fields. Prior experience with causal machine learning, time series analysis and/or agentic AI is a plus.
• I am proficient in Python and am familiar with data science and machine/deep learning toolkits.
• As a PhD researcher at KU Leuven, I perform research in a structured and scientifically sound manner. I read technical papers, understand the nuances between different theories and implement and improve methodologies myself.
• Based on interactions and discussions with my supervisors and the colleagues in my team, I set up and update a plan of approach for the upcoming 1 to 3 months to work towards my research goals. I work with a sufficient degree of independence to follow my plan and achieve the goals. I indicate timely when deviations of the plan are required, if goals cannot be met or if I want to discuss intermediate results or issues.
• In frequent reporting, varying between weekly to monthly, I show the results that I have obtained and I give a well-founded interpretation of those results. I iterate on my work and my approach based on the feedback of my supervisors which steer the direction of my research.
• I feel comfortable to work as a team member and I am eager to share my results to inspire and being inspired by my colleagues.
• I value being part of a research group which is well connected to the mechatronics industry and I am eager to learn how academic research can be linked to industrial innovation roadmaps.
• During my PhD I want to grow towards representing the research group on project meetings or conferences. I see these events as an occasion to disseminate my work to an audience of international experts and research colleagues, and to learn about the larger context of my research and the research project.

We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply, as we believe that different perspectives contribute to better research and innovation.

Application Instructions for the PhD vacancy

To apply for this position, please use the online application tool and ensure that you submit the following documents in a single PDF file:

The position will be hosted within the collaborative and internationally oriented research environment at KU Leuven, one of the world's leading universities (ranked among the top 100 globally). Founded in 1425, KU Leuven has been a center of learning for nearly six centuries and is Belgium’s highest-ranked university, as well as one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. KU Leuven provides a truly international experience, high-quality education, world-class research, and cutting-edge innovation, having topped Reuters' ranking of Europe's most innovative universities for four consecutive years.

We offer:

• A fully funded 4-year PhD scholarship, with a remuneration package competitive with industry standards in Belgium, a country with a high quality of life and excellent health care system.
• Ample occasions to develop yourself in a scientific and/or an industrial direction. Besides opportunities offered by the research group, further doctoral training for PhD candidates is provided in the framework of the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School (https://set.kuleuven.be/phd), known for its strong focus on both future scientists and scientifically trained professionals who will valorise their doctoral expertise and competences in a non-academic context.
• Opportunities to collaborate in groundbreaking research and participate in international conferences.
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and a range of university benefits (health insurance, etc.).
• A dynamic, passionate team of fellow PhD students and test engineers.

As a PhD candidate, you will be based at KU Leuven’s Bruges Campus (https://www.kuleuven.be/english/bruges), as part of a dynamic and interdisciplinary team of AI researchers, with access to state-of-the-art lab facilities to experimentally validate your findings in close collaboration with industrial partners.

The successful candidate will be encouraged to present their research at international conferences and national events, with a strong emphasis on publishing high-quality conference papers and journal articles. They will benefit from our robust international research and industrial network, which is actively involved in this project.

KU Leuven Campus Bruges, located in the magnificent medieval city of Bruges in West Flanders, offers a vibrant academic setting in close proximity to a network of companies. The campus features newly established labs to support both educational and research needs.

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.