Doctoral student in Explainable Machine Learning for Nuclear Safeguards

Are you excited to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence in nuclear technology? Join us as a doctoral student to explore the advanced frontier of AI-driven nuclear safeguards and enhance global nuclear safety and security.

About us

The Reactor Physics, Modelling and Safety group at Chalmers develops advanced methods for modelling, simulation, monitoring and safety analysis of current and next-generation nuclear reactors. Combining expertise in reactor physics, thermal-hydraulics, nuclear safeguards, diagnostic techniques and machine learning applied to nuclear technology, the group conducts both fundamental and applied research in collaboration with national and international partners across academia and industry. We are part of the Division of Subatomic, High Energy and Plasma Physics , at the Department of Physics and Astronomy , offering a dynamic and stimulating working environment.

About the research project

Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models are powerful tools for Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) safeguards inspection. However, their architectural and optimization complexity renders them black boxes, posing a challenge when making critical decisions, such as classifying SNF as either consistent or inconsistent with declared information. In this doctoral research, you will investigate an Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) framework to enable transparency in ANN models and their predictions for SNF inspection, bridging high-performing machine learning with transparent nuclear verification.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory

• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree ( masterexamen ) of 120 credits or a Master’s degree ( magisterexamen ) of 60 credits* in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or equivalent.

• You have strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

• You have background/experience in at least one of the following areas: Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Explainable AI, Reactor Physics, Nuclear Safeguards.

• You have a solid background in computational methods and strong programming skills (e.g., in Python).

• You thrive in a collaborative environment and take responsibility for your work.

• You have a strong analytical mindset and enjoy complex challenges.

• for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.

What you will do

• Conduct doctoral research focused on exploring, testing, and evaluating an Explainable AI (XAI) framework for Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) safeguards inspection.

• Integrate various XAI methods and study semantic layers to aggregate predictions into actionable explanations for safeguards inspectors.

• Leverage XAI insights to guide ANN model architectures, optimize training strategies, and strengthen model robustness.

• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate research results through peer-reviewed journal publications and conference presentations.

• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Nuclear Engineering .

• The position generally also includes teaching at Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours.

Contract terms

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.

• The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.

• A starting salary of 35,725 SEK per month (valid from May 1, 2026).

• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .

• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence . We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here .

Application procedure

The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV

Personal letter

• A brief introduction about yourself.

• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.

Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with the transcripts.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than  November 23, 2026

For questions, please contact

Paolo Vinai Associate Professor vinai@chalmers.se

We look forward to your application!

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position.  ***

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society. Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.