PhD Positions in Reinforcement Learning for LLMs and Agentic AI

vor 1 Woche

Basel, Basel-Stadt, Schweiz Universität Basel Vollzeit CHF 60'000 - CHF 80'000 pro Jahr
PhD Positions in Reinforcement Learning for LLMs and Agentic AI (Prof. I. Bogunovic) 100%

The Rhine AI (Reasoning, Human-aligned Intelligence and Novel Exploration) group (Prof. I. Bogunovic) at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Basel, is inviting applications for multiple PhD positions in reinforcement learning for large language models (LLMs).

Research directions include developing next-generation post-training algorithms, exploring diffusion-based approaches to reasoning with language models, aligning AI systems with complex human values, and building self-improving agents capable of autonomous learning. Our work combines cutting-edge experimentation – spanning RL, meta-learning, and robust optimization – with rigorous theoretical analysis.

The ideal candidate has strong machine learning and AI expertise and is comfortable with – or eager to learn – large-scale multi-GPU experimentation on challenging LLM tasks.

Position available starting around January 2026 (position may begin later as well). The duration of a PhD in Switzerland is 4 years.

Your position
  • Conduct research in the field of computer science and machine learning
  • Write research papers, articles, and present results at leading international conferences. We publish in venues such as ICML, NeurIPS, ICLR, JMLR, AISTATS, and more
  • Interact with national and international teams of AI and ML researchers
Your profile PhD applicants must hold a Master's degree in computer science, mathematics, or electrical engineering, with demonstrated strength in either practical implementation or theoretical foundations. Candidates should possess an exceptional academic record and a strong mathematical background. Experience conducting large-scale computational experiments (e.g., multi-GPU systems) is advantageous. While prior research experience is highly valued, it is not required.

Excellent communication skills and fluency in English (spoken and written) are required.

We also seek to increase the number of women and other groups in areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage such groups to apply We offer you The position will be based in Basel, Switzerland. In addition, we also offer the following:
  • Close supervision of your research, working with and access to international collaborators
  • Access to a state-of-the-art workstation equipped with NVIDIA H200 GPUs
  • A diverse range of tasks in a dynamic environment
  • The possibility of traveling to international conferences to meet with distinguished scientists
  • Excellent salary, benefits, and working conditions
Application / Contact
If interested, please send an application as described below.

Your application should be a **single pdf file** containing the following files:
  • Short motivation statement (maximum 150 words) explaining your interest in the position and justifying why your background is a good fit for the position
  • Curriculum vitae (including a list of publications, if applicable)
  • Scanned transcripts of bachelor's and master's degree
  • Contact info (no direct recommendation letters) for peers who can recommend you
  • Your latest thesis (and/or one of your publications, if applicable)
You are encouraged to send your application before December 1, 2025 . However, there is no deadline for applying, and the position will be open until a suitable candidate is found. If your application is short-listed, we will contact you within 2-3 weeks. Due to an anticipated large volume of applications, we cannot inform you if your application is not selected for an interview

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