项目介绍

2026年7月31日

About the Project

Modern artificial intelligence systems achieve remarkable performance, yet the mathematical mechanisms underlying their behavior remain only partially understood. This project seeks to develop a rigorous theory of modern learning algorithms and to explain how their architecture and dynamics determine their performance.

Depending on their background and interests, the candidate will use tools from analysis, probability theory, stochastic processes, statistical physics, dynamical systems, optimization, and optimal transport to prove mathematical results describing the behavior of modern learning algorithms in suitable abstract settings. Possible research directions include training dynamics and signal propagation in deep neural networks, including transformers; generative modeling; high-dimensional learning systems; sampling algorithms; collective phenomena in large-scale models; and quantum algorithms.

The work will be primarily theoretical. Computational experiments may be used to guide conjectures and illustrate theoretical results, depending on the candidate’s interests.

What You Can Expect

You will join an active, supportive, inclusive, and collaborative research environment at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. You will work on exciting fundamental questions at the interface of mathematics and modern AI and collaborate with national and international researchers. You will also contribute to teaching as a teaching assistant.

Employment conditions and remuneration are in accordance with the standards of the University of Bern, Switzerland.

Profile of the Candidate

Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a Master’s degree in pure or applied mathematics, theoretical physics, statistics, or a related field.

Your Salary

Your annual gross salary for the year 2026 amounts to 50’042 Swiss francs for full-time employment, including the 13th month salary.

Working at the University of Bern

The University of Bern not only offers exciting tasks but also an environment that actively promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what makes us stand out as an employer and how you can grow with us.Learn moreCareer pageOpen positions

Application and Contact

Applications should include:
• a motivation letter (maximum one page);
• a curriculum vitae (maximum two pages);
• available BSc/MSc diplomas or academic transcripts;
• the names and contact details of two referees; and
• optional: a summary of the master’s thesis (maximum two pages)

Review of applications will begin in the second half of August 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The earliest possible starting date is October 2026. The exact starting date will be agreed upon with the successful candidate.

Questions about the position?

Prof. Dr. Andrea Agazzi (andrea.agazzi@unibe.ch)

Questions about the application?

Prof. Dr. Andrea Agazzi (andrea.agazzi@unibe.ch)

We seek motivated candidates with a strong background in mathematics (e.g., in one or more of the following areas: analysis, probability theory, stochastic processes, statistical physics, optimal transport, dynamical systems, optimization, or machine learning theory), an interest in the mathematical principles underlying modern AI (or in related problems), the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and good written and spoken English. Knowledge of German is not required. Programming experience is beneficial but not required.