[Event at CIG] PhD position in Genetic Programming, University of Galway, Ireland

[Takfarinas Saber]

*Topic: Genetic Programming Symbolic Regression Methods for modelling and
control of Wastewater Treatment Plants*



Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a PhD
studentship with the School of Computer Science and Insight Centre, located
within the Data Science Institute, University of Galway, Ireland.


The PhD research will be in Machine Learning (ML) for Wastewater Treatment
Plant (WWTP) Operation. Ward & Burke Ltd. operate a number of large-scale
WWTPs in Ireland and elsewhere. A WWTP uses multiple treatment processes in
order to meet environmental standards. *The goal of the overall project* is
to operate plants more efficiently, using less electricity, reducing
emissions of all types from the processing, while meeting strict regulatory
standards on outflow water.



*The specific goal of this PhD *is (1) to use *machine learning and
statistical methods* to uncover relationships between time-series variables
observed in the WWTP – in- and out-flow rates, pump and aeration rates,
chemical and other measurements in multiple locations throughout the plant
– in order to understand the operation of the plant better. Following on
from that, in collaboration with the project team, the further goal is to
(2) *optimise* a simulation model of the plant in order to uncover
efficiencies.



The s*pecific methodology *of this PhD will involve using several
regression methods and time-series methods to model relationships among
variables. Methods including linear regression and neural networks will be
used as baselines. *Genetic programming symbolic regression (GPSR) will be
used to capture relationships with a high degree of explainability /
interpretability. *Other optimisation algorithms such as genetic algorithms
and linear programming will then be used for the optimisation tasks.


This position is funded by Science Foundation Ireland and Ward & Burke
Construction Ltd and is available from 1 September 2024. A PhD in
University of Galway normally lasts 4 years. Funding is currently available
for approximately 3 years, but funding for the final year is expected to be
available through a follow-on collaboration, already planned, between
Insight Centre and Ward & Burke Construction Ltd.


*Payment*: the PhD stipend is tax-free and is set according to normal SFI
rates as EUR22,000 per annum (
https://www.sfi.ie/research-news/news/increase-phd-stipends/). Some paid
teaching assistant work is available in the School of Computer Science.

*To Apply or make an informal enquiry:*

Dr James McDermott james.mcdermott at universityofgalway.ie