PhD position in machine learning, forecasting and time series analysis

Organisation/Company

Reykjavik University

Department

Human Resources

Research Field

Engineering
Computer science

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Recognised Researcher (R2)
Established Researcher (R3)

Positions

PhD Positions

Application Deadline

30 May 2026 - 00:00 (Atlantic/Reykjavik)

Country

Iceland

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Other EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Reykjavik University invites applications for a full-time, on-site PhD position in machine learning, forecasting and time series analysis.

Reykjavik University, Department of Engineering.

Duration: 3 years.

Start date: Negotiable.

Reykjavik University invites applications for a full-time, on-site PhD position. The position is funded through the LUMI AI Factory (EuroHPC) and focuses on scalable AI-for-science workflows using GPU-accelerated computing. This particular position focuses on time-series analysis and forecasting using transformer based foundation models.

About the Project

Time-series prediction using transformer based models is currently in a unique position of benefiting from the hindsight of billions of dollars spent in research and development in large-language models (LLMs). This second-mover advantage position creates opportunities for research and development on foundation models that can be duplicated and fine-tuned to tackle specific needs, as well as further developing promising avenues such as chain-of-thoughts and reasoning tokens, which forces the model into a reflective state transparent to the user.

Interpretability emerges as a key factor when integrating the model in critical industries. The inclusion of exogenous variables, both historic and future, is also an essential ingredient to move past the rear-mirror approach of standard classical forecasting methods.

The project will focus on the use of transformer based architecture, including inverted transformers, to create a practical foundation models for time series forecasting focusing on the manufacturing industry. The models will be trained on both large datasets and synthetic data, with the goal of delivering easily fine-tunable models capable of classification, forecasting, imputation, and anomaly detection.

Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong programming skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Application Requirements

Applications must be submitted via the official recruitment website and include:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position and relevant qualifications.
• A curriculum vitae (CV) with educational background, work experience, publications, and references.
• Two letters of recommendation confirming your academic abilities or contact information of two referees.
• Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts.
• Any research publications (if available) or a copy of the Master thesis if relevant to this project.

The position will be open until filled. Applications will be reviewed starting March 1, 2026.

Inquiries by email: eyjolfur@ru.is

About Reykjavik University (RU)

Reykjavík University has around 3.700 students and 300 faculty and employees in addition to numerous adjunct faculty in two schools: Technology and Social Sciences. We offer a welcoming and stimulating environment in which to work and live. The University is centrally located in Reykjavík, the capital city of Iceland. The role of Reykjavik University is to create and disseminate knowledge to enhance the competitiveness and quality of life for individuals and society, guided by good ethics, sustainability, and responsibility. Education and research at RU are based on strong ties with industry and society. We emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, international relations, and entrepreneurship.

About Iceland

Iceland is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, with volcanoes, hot springs, lava fields and glaciers offering a dramatic landscape. It consistently ranks as one of the best places in the world to live. It offers a high quality of life and is one of the safest places in the world, with high gender equality and strong healthcare and social support systems. Reykjavik is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that provides an ideal environment for combining cultural and family activities with an active lifestyle.

Website

https://jobs.50skills.com/ru/en/41225

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Reykjavík University

Country

Iceland

City

Reykjavík

Postal Code

102 Reykjavík

Street

Menntavegur 1

Geofield

City

Reykjavik

Website

http://www.ru.is/

Street

Menntavegur 1

Postal Code

101

E-Mail

eyjolfur@ru.is

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