The Department of Data Science and Knowledge Engineering (DKE) at Maastricht University invites applications for a full-time PhD position in the areas of self-organizing intelligent systems and machine learning. The position is affiliated with the Swarmlab laboratory for cognitive robotics and complex self-organizing systems of DKE (http://swarmlab.unimaas.nl/) and is part of a joined research project on “Self-organization among autonomous agents in nautical processes in modern seaports (SWARMPORT)” funded by the Dutch National Science Foundation (NWO). The research is performed in cooperation with the TU Delft, TNO, and the Port of Rotterdam.

The PhD research project focusses on the analysis and synthesis of complex self-organizing systems that are composed of interacting intelligent autonomous agents. For this the PhD candidate will contribute to the research on novel machine learning tools in the areas of deep neural learning, deep reinforcement learning, and multi-agent/distributed learning. The project as a whole aims at making theoretical contributions as well as providing sophisticated simulation studies. Research results will for instance - but not only - be applied in the context of a specific type of such a system, namely, maritime seaports and their logistic processes.

An excellent master degree (already completed or shortly before completion) in computer science, artificial intelligence, or a closely related field. Pre-knowledge and practical experience in the area of machine learning and good programming skills (C, C++, or Python) are a must. Knowledge in methods for multi-agent/distributed learning, deep neural learning, deep reinforcement learning, or learning from data streams is considered a plus. We are looking for a new colleague with very good English language skills, strong interest in research, enthusiasm, and team spirit.

The full-time position is offered for four years (first year + three years after receiving a positive evaluation), with yearly evaluations. The salary will be set in PhD salary scale of the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities (€2222,- gross per month in first year to €2840,- last year). On top of this, there is an 8% holiday and an 8.3% year-end allowance. The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl.

Maastricht University (UM) is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. UM is currently ranked 4th in the Times Higher Education (THE) “World's Best Universities Under 50 Years Old”. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 16,500 students, 4,000 employees and 55,000 alumni. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. For further information please see https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

Maastricht is conveniently located in the heart of Europe, very close to Belgium and Germany and with easy access to major European cities such as Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg and Düsseldorf. Over the past decades, Maastricht has developed into a beautiful, vibrant, international city. Today almost 20 percent of the Maastricht population (more than 122.000 inhabitants) are involved with higher education in the city as students or employees. For more information about Maastricht and what it means to live and work in Maastricht, please visit https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/lifeum

Founded in 1992 as part of the Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, today the Department of Data Science and Knowledge Engineering (DKE) broadly covers Knowledge Engineering in research and teaching. DKE comprises three internationally respected research groups, having their focus on “Robotics, Agents and Interaction”, “Networks and Strategic Optimization”, and “Biomathematics and Bioinformatics”. Education programs currently offered by DKE are Data Science & Knowledge Engineering (bachelor), Artificial Intelligence and Data Science for Decision Making (both master programmes). DKE's Bachelor programme Data Science & Knowledge Engineering is ranked #1 in the Netherlands, and has received national recognition as `Top Programme' since 2014. With respect to both research and teaching DKE is engaged in various national and international collaborations. For further information, see https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/dke