The statistics group in the Mathematical Institute of Leiden University invites applicants for a PhD position in theoretical machine learning. You will design and mathematically analyze new online machine learning algorithms that can automatically adapt themselves to multiple different types of data. Such online algorithms process data sequentially, one data point at a time, and play a key role in machine learning for very large data sets, for instance the training of deep neural networks. Additionally, all PhD students are expected to spend a small part of their time to contribute to teaching.

The position is funded by Van Erven’s NWO VIDI grant, which includes a generous budget for personal development. You can further expect close supervision to help you produce, publish and present top-level research at foremost international machine learning conferences or in journals.

• An MSc degree in mathematics/statistics/AI or related area;
• Highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher, who likes to work in an internationally oriented environment;
• Excellent grades and a good reference letter;
• Fluent in English;
• Good programming skills are considered an advantage.

We offer a full-time, 4-year term position. The appointment will initially be for one year, followed by an extension for three more years. Salary range from €2.325,- to €2.972,- gross per month, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %) and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions.

Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. In addition, you will be embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School, which offers PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness.

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. For more information: Faculty of Science and Working at Leiden University.

The Mathematical Institute is one of the eight institutes within the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. It is responsible for the research and education in mathematics and statistics at Leiden University. The institute has a strong international orientation. Its mission is to perform high quality research at the frontiers of mathematical knowledge, and to educate future generations of mathematicians and statisticians in a friendly but challenging environment. The expertise of the members of the institute covers a broad range of topics, with a focus on Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory, Analysis and Dynamical Systems, Probability Theory, and Statistics. Research is focused both on fundamental mathematics and statistics and on applications in other sciences, society and industry. The institute offers educational programmes in pure and applied mathematics and in statistics. It also offers many courses in mathematics and statistics for other academic programmes. For more information: Mathematical Institute.