Ulm University PhD Scholarships in Explainable Medical AI

KEMAI is a PhD opportunity focused on medical diagnosis and treatments using artificial intelligence. Universität Ulm presents KEMAI as integrated into the university’s Graduate School IGradU, with a qualification program that includes components to specifically qualify doctoral researchers for interdisciplinary research in medical AI.

KEMAI doctoral researchers are selected for technical projects associated with doctorates beginning from January, with applicants either choosing projects A–D or pitching their own research idea fitting under the KEMAI umbrella. The program expects candidates to publish 2–3 original research papers during the PhD time.

KEMAI provides fully funded positions through the E13 German pay scale for up to four years, and candidates receive additional financial benefits including €1,100 annually for Open Access publication fees, sufficient travel funds for conferences and events, and a €3,300 allocation for research stays. Technical doctoral researchers are supported by a student assistant. Selection includes interviews where candidates introduce themselves, present and discuss a scientific paper, and complete basic coding tasks.

• Master’s degree required.
• Overall grade of 2.0 or better (German grading system) required.
• Degree must be in a master’s program or a university program with a minimum standard study period of four years at a domestic or foreign university.
• Field of study must align with the 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.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to tackle complex research questions and develop innovative solutions required.
• Passion for research and innovation in medical AI required.
• Sufficient English skills required for communication in the international research community.
• Minimum English proficiency: equivalent to B2 on the CEFR, or IELTS score 6.0, or TOEFL iBT score 80.
• Applicants must apply for a KEMAI project from A–D or pitch their own research idea fitting under the KEMAI umbrella.

• Fully funded position for up to four years through the E13 German pay scale.
• E13 salary includes living expenses.
• E13 salary includes health insurance and social security.
• €1,100 annually for Open Access publication fees.
• Sufficient travel funds for international conferences, workshops, and other academic events.
• €3,300 allocation for research stays.
• Funds for participation in academic retreats.
• Technical doctoral researchers supported by a student assistant.

1. Apply via the application form provided for the KEMAI research goals.
2. In the application, specify the KEMAI project from A–D you would like to work on; projects not shown in the dropdown list are not available.
3. Alternatively, pitch your own research idea fitting under the KEMAI umbrella; describe it in approximately half a page and include suggestions for supervisors from within the KEMAI team.
4. Include the required documents with your application: CV, cover letter, transcripts, and certificates (bachelor and master).
5. To submit materials by email if issues arise with the form, send an email to [email protected] and attach documents as individual PDF files named _coverletter.pdf, _cv.pdf, _certificate.pdf, and _transcript.pdf.
6. In the email, clearly specify the two projects (A–D) you are most interested in, or outline your own project idea, and use the subject line: “KEMAI - PhD Application”.
7. After submission, note that KEMAI uses a rolling application process until all PhD positions are filled; cutoff dates are the last day of each month, with review beginning the first day of the following month.
8. Selected candidates receive interview invitations; interviews include introducing yourself, presenting and discussing a scientific paper, and completing basic coding tasks in a preferred programming language.

• CV: detailed curriculum vitae highlighting academic achievements, research experience, and relevant skills.
• Cover letter: explain motivation for applying to the KEMAI project and specify two projects (A–D) you are interested in from the list, or pitch your own project idea.
• Transcripts: official transcripts including information on the grading system.
• Final Grade: information on the final overall grade according to the conversion tool for the “Modified Bavarian formula”.
• Certificates: certificates of academic degrees (bachelor and master).
• Degree transcripts/certificates are required as part of the email submission instructions (bachelor and master) when submitting by email.