Postdoc ManufActuring contRol Sonicare (MARS) (1.0 FTE)

Postdoctoral position: ManufActuring contRol Sonicare (MARS)
Due to the complexity of the assembly process anomalies can occur, that lead to unplanned downtime and sub-optimal production outcomes. Deviations from normal behavior have diverse causes, ranging from misplacement, heterogeneity in material, to fatigue. Locating such issues in the production line can be difficult and the creation of more intelligent process control strategies and innovative methods of tracking reliability can be achieved with expert informed machine learning techniques, which offer more insight into possible sources of variation, facilitating more proactive quality control. Having an understanding of the interactions that happen in a complex system and process is key to the implementation of efficient control strategies and promoting continuous improvement, to speed up production and ensure product quality.

This research could revolutionize Philips’ production by integrating advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into key processes, shifting from manual oversight to real-time anomaly detection and predictive maintenance. This approach reduces downtime and defects. This project will not only enhance production capabilities but could also set a new benchmark for technological advancement in the manufacturing industry, driving significant improvements in productivity and product quality, thereby enhancing both time and cost efficiency in production pipelines.

More details can be found using the following link: https://hollandhightech.nl/en/programmes-and-projects/projects/manufacturing-control-sonicare

Organisation
Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage currently more than 36,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and the top 100 universities in the world (see our ranking: http://www.rug.nl/about-us/where-do-we-stand/rankings), the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.

Within the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) the Bernoulli Institute conducts research combining theoretical as well as practical aspects of three disciplines, namely Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. The environment fosters truly interdisciplinary research with a great track record of national and international collaboration transferring knowledge across domains. The research unit Intelligent Systems (IS) in Computer Science is focused on the development of Data Science, Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning algorithms for interdisciplinary data analysis. For more information about the Intelligent Systems group please use the following link: http://www.cs.rug.nl/is. The Postdoctoral position is offered in cooperation with the Advanced Production Engineering (APE) research group (ww.rug.nl/research/ape) at the Engineering and Technology institute Groningen (ENTEG), Holland High Tech and Philips. The latter being a Dutch multinational company focused on health technology, offering innovative products and solutions in diagnostic imaging, patient monitoring, and consumer health (https://www.philips.nl/).

We welcome applications if you have:

- A PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, theoretical Physics or other degree programs from top universities involving at least one of the following topics: Machine Learning, AI, Dynamic Systems, Differential Geometry and/or Information Theory.
- Excellent academic credentials.
- Experience with programming languages (such as Python, Julia, Matlab, C/C++, etc.).
- Strong knowledge and interest in Mathematics.
- A dynamic, creative and pioneering professional attitude with a willingness to work in a strongly interdisciplinary team and learn the cross-disciplinary foundations.
- Problem solving ability.
- And strong communication skills in English (fluent, both oral and written).

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

- A salary of € 4,060 gross per month after obtaining a PhD degree for a full-time working week.
- A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
- A full-time position (1.0 FTE) of 21 months, or 0.88 FTE for 24 months.

The preferred starting date is January 2026