PhD Studentship: Probabilistic Artificial Intelligence (home fees only)

About the Project

Applications are invited for a PhD position in “Probabilistic Artificial Intelligence” at the School of Mathematics, University of Bristol.

Please visit the page below to see specific details under the 'Prob_AI' heading:

PhD Projects | School of Mathematics

The Prob_AI Hub aims to bring together researchers in Applied Mathematics, Probability, and Statistics to tackle challenges in probabilistic AI. This initiative is motivated by the observation that many fundamental problems in AI could benefit from expertise in these disciplines. These include understanding deep neural networks by analyzing their dynamical systems and probabilistic asymptotic behavior, improving and generalizing diffusion-based generative AI using insights from numerical and stochastic analysis, and making AI models more interpretable and reliable by incorporating known constraints or physical properties.

The successful applicants will be part of the Prob_AI hub and the School of Mathematics at the University of Bristol. The School of Mathematics has been ranked 4th in the UK for Mathematical Sciences Research (REF 2021), 10th nationally for teaching in the 2024 Complete University Guide. 98% of our Mathematical Research was rated 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' in REF 2021. With postgraduate students from 32 countries, our programmes are run by some of the world’s leading mathematicians.

The successful applicants are expected to work with Dr. Yihan Zhang on “Precise Asymptotics in High-Dimensional Statistics using Random Matrix Theory and Statistical Physics”. Applicants with mathematics / statistics / theoretical physics / computer science background to whom the project outline appeals are encouraged to directly reach out to Dr. Yihan Zhang.

Full details on how to apply can be found here: Mathematics | Study at Bristol

The deadline for applications is 1 June 2025, but admissions decisions will be made on a rolling basis.

Funding Notes

This project is funded by an EPSRC University Doctoral Landscape Award for 3 years and 6 months covering tuition UK (home) fees and providing an annual stipend of £20,780 increasing in line with GDP deflator. This award also includes a travel grant allowance of £2,000 per annum to support research related travel costs and activities. Please note that the annual stipend is a net amount and is not subject to tax or national insurance.