PhD Scholarship in ML & Optimisation at UCL (G-Research Funded)
Laura Toni
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join the LASP Lab at University College London (UCL). The LASP Lab is a highly interdisciplinary group working at the intersection of machine learning, optimisation, and scientific modelling.
The position is for four years and is supported by a G-Research scholarship. We are looking for candidates interested particularly in the following areas:
- Building new agents for black-box optimisation / Reinforcement Learning for complex decision-making (with sustainability as a main application).
- Generative models for graphs — including diffusion, flow matching, Schrödinger bridges, and connections to fluid dynamics.
PROJECT SUPERVISOR & HOSTING GROUP The project will be supervised by Dr. Laura Toni. The successful candidate will be part of the LASP Lab at UCL Electronic & Electrical Engineering. For more information on the lab https://lasp-ucl.github.io/
CANDIDATE’S PROFILE The ideal candidate must have a genuine interest in RL, Graph Generative Models, or Autonomous Agents. A strong academic background in optimization, mathematics, statistics, and Machine Learning is a must, alongside proficiency in Python. We are looking for a candidate with very strong motivation and the drive to push the boundaries of ML theory and applications.
RESEARCH CONTACT If you are interested in the position and believe you are a strong fit, please contact Dr. Laura Toni for more information. Please avoid generic emails, please briefly explain in your email how your specific background and research interests align with one of the two focus areas mentioned above.
FUNDING CONDITIONS This is a fully funded scholarship (4 years) covering tuition fees and providing a competitive stipend. Additional benefits include unique professional development opportunities, such as mentorship from G-Research experts and participation in their "Spring into Quant Finance" programme.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND PROCESS
The deadline for the initial application is 5 January 2026. For full details and application guidance, please use the following link:https://www.ucl.ac.uk/engineering/electronic-electrical-engineering/vacancies/g-research-ucl-phd-scholarship-ai-systems