The Mathematical Institute of Leiden University, in close cooperation with the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science, invites applicants for a PhD position in data science and machine learning to research ship emissions of air pollutants within the joint project “Algorithms for the Verification of Emissions from Shipping with Satellites (AVES-oculuS)”. The project is a joint initiative from the Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate, Wageningen University and  Research Center, and Leiden University. Our team is driven by the desire to develop innovative data science, AI, and machine learning methods for the analysis of the new high resolution satellite measurements (S5P-TROPOMI) in order to signal ships that are not compliant to international emission agreements. The focus will be on verifying emissions by ships on open sea, where compliance monitoring is traditionally difficult.

• MSc degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, AI, or related areas;
• A strong background in machine learning, and preferably computer vision, image processing or signal processing;
• Highly motivated, enthusiastic and creative researcher;
• Fluent English communication and writing skills;
• Good programming skills, preferably in C++ or Python.

We offer a  full-time position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary range from €2,325.- to €2,972.-  gross per month (pay scale P 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 %), training and career development 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.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

Leiden University

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.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2.200 staff and almost 4,200 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

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 programs in pure and applied mathematics and in statistics. It also offers many courses in mathematics and statistics for other academic programs.