One fully-funded PhD position is available to work with Dr Nadin Kokciyan in the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh on a project titled “Preserving Privacy in an Online World” Deadline: 17th April 2020 Overview In online social systems, users are allowed to create and share content about themselves and others. The content being shared can affect anybody involved in it, and the privacy of individuals can be compromised. Increasingly, users need intelligent tools that can help them to manage their privacy online. Existing work has shown that the use of AI techniques can reveal even more information about the content. For example, objects or faces can be automatically identified by machine learning algorithms. Or new information, such as the location information, can be inferred by the use of rule-based techniques. The goal of this project is to build AI-based methods to preserve privacy in online social systems (such as social networks and IoT systems). This requires a semantic representation of the domain (such as privacy preferences), detection and prevention of privacy violations, evaluating the developed mechanisms, and explaining privacy decisions to users. It is expected that the candidate working on the project will work on both the theoretical foundations and the development of the privacy-preserving tools Candidate’s profile The project is suitable for a student with a top MSc or first-class bachelor's degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, mathematics, or another related subject Strong analytical and programming skills Proficiency in English (both oral and written) Good understanding/knowledge/experience in at least two of the following areas: multi-agent systems, knowledge representation and reasoning, privacy, machine learning, natural language processing. Studentship and eligibility The studentship starting in 2020/21 covers: A tax-free stipend of GBP £15,000 per year for 3 years. UK/EU applicants are eligible for this studentship. Exceptional OS students will also be considered. Application Information Applicants should apply via the University’s admissions portal (EUCLID) and apply for the following programme: PhD Informatics: CISA: Automated Reasoning, Agents, Data-Intensive Research, Knowledge Management - 3 Years (Full-time). Applicants should state “Preserving Privacy in an Online World” and the research supervisor (Dr Nadin Kokciyan) in their application and Research Proposal document. Applications should be submitted by 17 April 2020, although complete applications received by 17 April 2020 will receive full consideration; after that date, applications will be considered until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is flexible. Applicants must submit: Degree transcripts and certificates (for both BSc and MSc if applicable) Evidence of English Language capability (where applicable). A short research proposal (max 2 pages) A full CV and cover letter describing your background, suitability for the PhD, and research interests (max 2 pages). Two references (note that it the applicant’s responsibility to ensure reference letters are received before the deadline). Only complete applications will progress forward to the academic selection stage. Environment The School of Informatics is one of the largest in Europe and currently, the top Informatics institute in the UK for research power, with 40% of its research outputs considered world-leading (top grade), and almost 50% considered top grade for societal impact. The University of Edinburgh is constantly ranked among the world’s top universities and is a highly international environment with several centres of excellence. Useful Links Dr Nadin Kokciyan Apply PhD studentship in Preserving Privacy in an Online World This article was published on 2024-11-22
