University of Copenhagen Denmark PhD Fellowship 2025 in Interpretable Natural Language Processing (Fully Funded)
Description
The Department of Computer Science at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen (UCPH), is now inviting applications for a prestigious PhD fellowship in Interpretable Natural Language Processing (NLP) starting September 1, 2025. This is an outstanding opportunity to join one of Europe’s top-ranked universities and contribute to cutting-edge research in machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP).
Degree Level
Fellowship Overview
The successful candidate will develop innovative methods to interpret and explain the inner workings of NLP models. The research will align with the objectives of the CopeNLU research group, focusing on interpretability, explainability, and responsible AI development.
Supervisors:
- Main Project Supervisor: Pepa Atanasova
- Co-Supervisor: Prof. Isabelle Augenstein
Research Environment:
- Join a vibrant, international team
- Collaborate with CopeNLU and international research partners
- Contribute to both foundational and applied research in explainable AI, fact-checking, and question answering
PhD Program Structure
Type:
Three-year full-time PhD program (5+3 scheme)
Responsibilities:
- Conduct independent research
- Complete PhD-level coursework (approx. 30 ECTS)
- Participate in international research collaborations
- Engage in teaching and knowledge dissemination
- Publish in high-impact scientific journals
- Complete a PhD thesis
Available Subjects
Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.
- Machine Learning
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
Benefits
- Full-time paid position for up to 3 years with a competitive salary and pension under the Danish AC agreement.
- No tuition fees — you’ll be employed as a PhD fellow, not charged as a student.
- Supervision by top experts Pepa Atanasova and Prof. Isabelle Augenstein in NLP and explainable AI.
- Collaborative research environment with CopeNLU and international partners, plus access to the Pioneer Centre for AI.
- Opportunities for international research stays and attending/presenting at leading academic conferences.
- Professional development through teaching, publishing in high-impact journals, and PhD coursework (30 ECTS).
- Career advancement in high-demand areas like NLP, machine learning, and AI transparency.
- Living in Copenhagen, a top-rated, safe, and family-friendly city with excellent healthcare and work-life balance.
Eligible Nationalities
This fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a Master’s degree (MSc) in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field (or equivalent qualification)
- Demonstrate a strong background in NLP or ML
- Have excellent written and oral communication skills in English
- Provide evidence of previous research, scientific publications, or relevant work experience (if available)
- Exhibit a curious mindset and strong motivation to explore interpretable NLP
Additional Qualifications:
- Professional qualifications relevant to the research area
- Experience in programming and data analysis
- Teamwork and collaboration skills
Why Apply?
- Join a top-tier European university
- Work on groundbreaking NLP research
- Collaborate with international experts in interpretable AI
- Access to state-of-the-art AI and ML resources
- Excellent career development opportunities
- Experience life in Copenhagen, one of the world’s most livable cities
Application Procedure
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents (in English):
- Cover Letter outlining motivation and relevant background
- Research Statement describing proposed research focus and goals
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (with English translation if necessary)
- Publication list (if applicable)
- Reference letters (optional at submission; required for shortlisted candidates)
Application Deadline
- 15th May 2025 (23:59 GMT +1)
Click "Apply Now" down below to start your application journey.
