The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) invites applications for a PostDoc Researcher in Machine Learning at the Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence (IDSIA USI-SUPSI) within the Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI), located in Lugano. The degree of employment is 100%, with a contract starting on 01.09.2026, or on a mutually agreed date.
Duties and responsibilities
The selected candidate conducts advanced research in machine learning, with a focus on natural language processing (NLP) and deep learning applications for the financial industry. In particular, the candidate:
- Design, develop, and implement innovative solutions to enhance the performance and reliability of AI systems leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs), Deep Learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP) for information extraction and Agentic AI systems for partners in the financial industry.
- Conduct research on state-of-the-art techniques in Deep Learning, Transformers, Large Language Models (LLMs), and parameter-efficient fine-tuning.
- Pursue independent research agenda in Deep Learning.
- Cooperate in research teams to conduct research in projects related to the financial industry, with a strong collaboration with software engineers and industry partners.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate NLP and deep learning technologies into practical applications.
Requirements
Essential Requirements
- Ph.D. in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computational Linguistics, or a related field with a publication record in NLP and Deep Learning area.
- Proficiency in LLMs, Transformers, fine-tuning techniques (e.g., LoRA, PEFT), and pre-trained language model optimization.
- Strong programming skills in Python and experience with modern ML tools and Deep Learning frameworks (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow, Pandas, and Numpy).
- Familiarity with designing AI agents.
- Familiar with key NLP tasks like information extraction, text summarization, question answering, text classification, and dialogue systems.
- Ability to conduct independent research and collaborate effectively within a team.
- Good relational skills and ability to work both autonomously and in groups, in a goal-oriented environment.
- Good organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Good knowledge of spoken and written English.
Preferred Qualifications
- Extensive experience with Deep Learning, particularly in the context of LLMs.
- Extensive experience with Reinforcement Learning (RL), particularly in the context of LLMs.
- Experience in designing constrained generation techniques and alignment strategies for LLMs.
- Experience in knowledge representation, including constructing and utilizing knowledge bases and knowledge graphs.
- Knowledge of bias, fairness, and safety in AI systems.
- Interest in modular or multi-agent systems, semantic representation, and efficient model training methods.
- Familiarity with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and multimodality.
- Familiarity with domain-specific NLP applications, such as finance or legal text processing.
- Development of AI Agents.
- Good knowledge of spoken and written Italian.
Desired but not strictly required
- Experience of work/research in a financial context.
- Experience with HPC cluster computers.
- Knowledge of a second national language.
What SUPSI Offers
SUPSI offers a stimulating environment and unique opportunities for those who wish to grow professionally and actively contribute to innovation. Specifically, the position offers:
- PostDoc employment contract for 2 years, with possibility of renewal.
- No obligation to teach or participate in university administrative tasks.
- Opportunity to develop cutting edge research to bring top notch research partners in the financial industry forward.
- Mixed position between research and high-tech development.
- Sufficient time to pursue own/private research agenda, comparable to university employment.
- An international working environment.
- Possibility to attend to high-profile conferences, workshop and schools.
- Attractive salary, in line with Swiss standards and the candidate's experience.
Our Commitment
SUPSI believes that the future is shaped by diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and a culture that is equitable, inclusive, and respectful of differences.
Application Process
Applications will only be considered if submitted electronically by 15.07.2026, through the dedicated application form. The following documents, written in English, must be included:
- Curriculum vitae with publications list and, if available, a link to the PhD thesis.
- Motivation letter, including a brief description of past research experience and future research interests (1-2 pages).
- Copies of three published papers relevant to the position.
- Names and email addresses of three reference contacts.
For further information, please contact Dr. Oleg Szehr
Incomplete applications, those submitted to incorrect addresses, or those received after the deadline will not be considered. In addition to the required application documents, further documentation (such as a criminal record certificate or a copy of an identity document) may be requested at a later stage.
