PhD Position F/M Collusion in Agentic Systems

PhD Position F/M Collusion in Agentic Systems Download job offer in PDF format Contract type : Fixed-term contract Level of qualifications required : Graduate degree or equivalent Fonction : PhD Position About the research centre or Inria department The Inria Saclay-Île-de-France Research Centre was established in 2008. It has developed as part of the Saclay site in partnership with Paris-Saclay University and with the Institut Polytechnique de Paris . The centre has 40 project teams , 27 of which operate jointly with Paris-Saclay University and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris; Its activities occupy over 600 people, scientists and research and innovation support staff, including 44 different nationalities. Context The recruited student will work in the FairPlay team. FairPlay is a joint team between Inria, ENSAE and Criteo with around 8 permanent researchers and 15 PhD students/postdocs from all three partners institution. The team is bi-localized, hosting at CREST (on the Polytechnique campus) but working from Criteo HQ in Paris once a week. Assignment Agentic systems are increasingly present: agents make decisions or tasks. They may interact for that with other agents, which opens the possibility of collaboration, but also potentially of collusion. This was observed in the past in algorithmic pricing systems. The objective of the PhD is to analyze these questions theoretically using game theory and learning theory. Main activities Main activities: conduct research on fairness in online algorithms Additional activities: document the results through publications and talks Skills Technical skills and level required : A strong background in mathematics, in particular in probability and online learning. Languages : French or English Benefits package • Subsidized meals • Partial reimbursement of public transport costs • Leave: 7 weeks of annual leave + 10 extra days off due to RTT (statutory reduction in working hours) + possibility of exceptional leave (sick children, moving home, etc.) • Possibility of teleworking (after 6 months of employment) and flexible organization of working hours • Professional equipment available (videoconferencing, loan of computer equipment, etc.) • Social, cultural and sports events and activities • Access to vocational training • Social security coverage Remuneration Monthly gross salary : 2.300 euros Apply for this position Share • Facebook • Linkedin • Twitter • Email General Information • Theme/Domain : Optimization, machine learning and statistical methods Statistics (Big data) (BAP E) • Town/city : Palaiseau • Inria Center : Centre Inria de Saclay • Starting date : 2026-12-01 • Duration of contract : 3 years • Deadline to apply : 2026-11-23 Warning : you must enter your e-mail address in order to save your application to Inria. Applications must be submitted online on the Inria website. Processing of applications sent from other channels is not guaranteed. Instruction to apply Defence Security : This position is likely to be situated in a restricted area (ZRR), as defined in Decree No. 2011-1425 relating to the protection of national scientific and technical potential (PPST).Authorisation to enter an area is granted by the director of the unit, following a favourable Ministerial decision, as defined in the decree of 3 July 2012 relating to the PPST. An unfavourable Ministerial decision in respect of a position situated in a ZRR would result in the cancellation of the appointment. Recruitment Policy : As part of its diversity policy, all Inria positions are accessible to people with disabilities. Contacts • Inria Team : FAIRPLAY • PhD Supervisor : Loiseau Patrick / patrick.loiseau@inria.fr The keys to success The successful candidate should have high motivation for research work and a taste for societal and security questions. About Inria Inria, the French national institute for research in digital science and technology, supports the French government in national research and innovation strategies in the digital field, acting as Digital Programs Agency. Inria leads over 300 research and innovation projects with its 3,500 scientists, engineers, and support staff, in partnership with universities and the digital ecosystem (businesses, entrepreneurs, and public stakeholders). Together, we explore strategic fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum computing, cloud technologies, digital transformation in healthcare, digital twins, and digital technologies for defence. We develop practical solutions such as software, tech startups, partnerships with national companies, and cutting-edge training programmes. Our goal is to drive scientific, technological, and industrial excellence to ensure France’s digital sovereignty.