KEMAI - Research Training Group on Medical XAI

We are seeking highly skilled individuals who are passionate about interdisciplinary research in medical artificial intelligence (AI). KEMAI offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of computer science and medicine, developing cutting-edge AI technologies to transform medical diagnostics and treatments. If you are driven by innovation and eager to contribute to societal change through advanced research, we invite you to join our dynamic team.

Why Obtain a PhD within KEMAI?

KEMAI aims at revolutionizing medical diagnosis and treatments through artificial intelligence. When you embark on a PhD journey within KEMAI, you will have the following benefits:

• Societal Impact: Research in medical AI within the KEMAI project has a profound societal impact by significantly improving the accuracy and efficiency of medical diagnostics and treatments, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and advancing global healthcare standards.
• World-Class Education: Ulm University has consistently ranked as the best young German university, achieving top positions in the Times Higher Education (THE) 150 Under 50 and QS University Rankings. In the THE World University Ranking 2022/23, it was placed within the top ten percent globally, showcasing its excellence in citations, third-party funding, and internationalization.
• Structured Program: KEMAI is integrated into the university’s very successful Graduate School IGradU. IGradU was established in 2007 and, hence, has a long-standing tradition of supporting doctoral researchers on their way to a doctorate. The school provides a well-structured qualification program, which is complemented by KEMAI with components to specifically qualify doctoral researchers for interdisciplinary research in medical AI.
• Attractive Funding: KEMAI PhD students benefit from fully funded positions for up to four years with a competitive E13 salary, as per the German public sector pay scale. This funding ensures financial stability, allowing students to focus entirely on their research. The E13 salary not only covers living expenses but also provides additional benefits such as health insurance and social security.
• High Quality of Life: Ulm offers a high quality of life, evidenced by top placements in multiple quality of life rankings, and has recently been rated as most liveable German city by the renowned Prognos City Ranking 2024. Its international city agenda, together with its historical charm and modern amenities, provides a welcoming atmosphere for people from around the globe. Nestled along the picturesque Danube River and close to the Alps, Ulm offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and cycling. The city also boasts a rich history, including the iconic Ulm Minster with the tallest church steeple in the world.
• Career Opportunities: A PhD from Germany opens doors to numerous career paths in both academia and industry. Ulm not only offers an attractive academic environment with opportunities for postdoctoral research, but the region’s thriving industry, including prominent companies like Daimler, Continental, Bosch, and Zeiss, provides excellent job opportunities for PhD graduates. Additionally, Ulm is part of the Baden-Württemberg region, known for its strong economy and numerous technology and healthcare firms. The combination of a prestigious PhD and the vibrant job market in Ulm ensures that graduates are well-positioned for successful and fulfilling careers.

KEMAI PhD Program

The International Graduate School IGradU provides a comprehensive and supportive research environment that supports also all KEMAI doctoral researchers. IGradU offers structured doctoral training with a focus on interdisciplinary research, professional development, and international collaboration. As part of IGradU, PhD candidates benefit from a range of workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities designed to enhance both their scientific and soft skills. This integration ensures that students are well-prepared for careers in academia and industry, equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to excel in the field of medical AI and beyond.

It is planned to obtain a PhD within 3-4 years, during which PhD students are expected to publish 2-3 original research papers at top venues. During the entire PhD time, the doctoral researchers will receive full funding through the E13 German pay scale. Each PhD candidate within KEMAI further enjoys a range of financial benefits designed to support their research and professional development. These include €1,100 annually for Open Access publication fees, ensuring that their work reaches a wide audience without financial burden. Additionally, candidates receive sufficient travel funds, allowing them to attend international conferences, workshops, and other academic events. There is also a generous €3,300 allocation for research stays, enabling extended visits to collaborate with other institutions and experts worldwide. Furthermore, funds are available for participation in academic retreats, fostering community building and networking within the research group. Technical PhD students will further be supported by a student assistant each.

Application Process

Eligibility

To be eligible for the international KEMAI PhD program, you should have:

• Master’s degree: A degree completed with above-average success and overall grade of 2.0 or better (according to the German grading system) in a master’s program or a university program with a minimum standard study period of four years at a domestic or foreign university is required. The field of study should align with your KEMAI research focus. Eligible fields include, but are not limited to: Computer Science, Medicine, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Engineering, Philosophy, Physics, Mathematics, or other related natural science disciplines.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential for success in the KEMAI project. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to tackle complex research questions and develop innovative solutions.
• Passion for research and innovation: A passion for research and innovation in medical AI is crucial. Candidates should be motivated to explore new frontiers in medical technology and contribute to the advancement of healthcare through artificial intelligence.
• English proficiency: Sufficient English skills are necessary to effectively communicate within the international research community. Candidates should have a minimum English proficiency level equivalent to B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), or an IELTS score of 6.0, or a TOEFL iBT score of 80.

Application Materials

PhD candidates interested in the KEMAI research goals can apply via email. Applications should specify two alternative projects from the KEMAI projects, they would like to work on. Alternatively, applicants are welcome to pitch their own research idea fitting under the KEMAI umbrella. Such an idea should be described in approximately half a page of text and should include suggestions for supervisors from within the KEMAI team. All applications should include the following documents:

• CV: A detailed curriculum vitae highlighting your academic achievements, research experience, and relevant skills.
• Cover Letter: Explain your motivation for applying to the KEMAI project and specify two projects you are interested in from the list provided or pitch your own project idea.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts of your academic records.
• Certificates: Certificates of your academic degrees (bachelor, master).

How to Apply

Application Form

If any issues arise with the form, you can submit your application materials via email to kemai@uni-ulm.de. Ensure that you:

• Attach your cover letter, CV, degrees and transcripts as individual PDF files named <lastname>_coverletter.pdf, <lastname>_cv.pdf, <lastname>_certificate.pdf and <lastname>_transcript.pdf.
• Clearly specify the two projects, which interest you most, in your email or outline your own project idea.
• Use the subject line: “KEMAI - PhD Application” for your email.

Application Timeline

KEMAI has a rolling application process that continues until all PhD positions are filled. The cutoff dates are the last day of each month (August 31, September 30, October 31, November 30), and we will begin reviewing applications on the first day of the following month. Selected candidates will receive interview invitations within one week, whereby Zoom interviews are scheduled for the middle of the month.

Interview Process

During these interviews, which will be attended by the KEMAI spokesperson team and possibly the PIs of the two preferred projects, candidates will be asked to:

• Briefly introduce themselves.
• Present and discuss a scientific paper.
• Conduct basic coding tasks in a preferred programming language.

The interview is scheduled to last 30 minutes, with the paper presentation taking 5 minutes plus discussion. The selected paper will be announced with the interview invitation. Candidates will be informed of the interview outcome within one week after the interview.