PhD Student in Computer Science HES Replacement Assistant

HEIG-VD is holding a competition for the position of PhD Student in Computer Science - HES Replacement Assistant. HEIG-VD is holding a competition for the position of PhD Student in Computer Science HES Replacement Assistant. You will participate in research work concerning distributed systems for agentic AI (compound AI systems). Unlike traditional systems, an agent remains inactive most of the time before triggering unpredictable computational spikes, such that no model yet allows for their cost to be reliably anticipated. The thesis may explore the design of agentic runtimes, cost modeling and/or capacity planning. Attached to the ICT department (Information and Communication Technologies) of HEIG-VD, you will conduct this research within the IICT institute (Institute of Information and Communication Technologies), in collaboration with the Université de Fribourg. The exact scope will be defined with the successful candidate based on their motivations and ambitions. MAIN MISSIONS 50% of your activity rate will be devoted to the completion of a doctoral thesis, under the joint direction of an HES professor and a professor from the Université de Fribourg. The remaining percentage will be reserved for teaching tasks and participation in research work within the Software Engineering Competence Thematic Group. DESIRED PROFILE Master's degree from a Higher School in computer science or a title deemed equivalent. Marked interest in applied research, distributed systems, agentic AI (LLMs, agents, compound AI systems) and observability. Good knowledge of cloud architectures, container orchestration, actor systems and distributed runtimes. Proven mastery of one or more programming languages (C, C, Rust, Golang, Java, Python, TypeScript) and advanced practice of AI-assisted development. Curiosity, passion for research and desire to explore an emerging field. Experimental rigor and systematic approach: hypothesis, measurement, validation. Analytical spirit, capacity for abstraction and modeling. Autonomy, clear communication, taste for collaboration with academic and industrial partners. Mastery of English and sufficient knowledge of French to communicate with students. Activity rate: 100% Start date: From September 2026 or to be agreed. Duration of engagement: 1 year, renewable, maximum 5 years. Information: Prof. Bertil Chapuis (Write an email (< >)). Complete application file: Motivation letter, CV with copies of diplomas, work certificates, transcripts of grades obtained, summary of master's work and other publications, eventual letters of recommendation. Via Jobup only. Application deadline: 14 July 2026. La Haute Ecole d'Ingénierie et de Gestion du Canton de Vaud ( offers HES bachelor and master programs in engineering and business administration as well as postgraduate training. With more than 2,500 students, it is the largest school of the Haute École Spécialisée de Suisse Occidentale ( Its applied research and development activities are carried out within its institutes, hubs and groups. HEIG-VD--Human Resources, Rte de Cheseaux 1, 1401 Yverdon-les-Bains, Write an email (< >) jpid07a8f43jm jpit0625jm jpiy26jm