The goal of this PhD project is to develop automated machine learning methods for changing/non iid data, with applications to standard learning scenarios as well as to automated negotiation. Such techniques are key to enabling the efficient and robust use of machine learning systems and components for a broad range of human-centred AI applications. They will also contribute to fundamental advances in machine learning. Automated negotiation scenarios are of particular interest, as they play a key role in systems dealing with potentially conflicting interests between multiple users or stakeholders.

Leiden University in The Netherlands is one of the 6 participating universities in the Hybrid Intelligence project.  The PhD research described in this advertisement will be carried out at the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science, Leiden University. Your supervisory team will consist of Prof. dr. Holger Hoos from Leiden University (project leader) and Prof. dr. Catholijn Jonker from Leiden University and Delft University of Technology. Hoos is an expert in automated algorithm design and machine learning, Jonker is an expert in decision support systems, in particular, in negotiation and deliberation. Together they will guide you during your research.

Key responsibilities
Actively pursue world-class research on the topics listed above. Participate in the HI project, its meetings and its training. We seek an energetic PhD candidate, to carry out this research project at the forefront of human-centred artificial intelligence. During the project, the candidate is expected to write the research articles that together will form the basis of a thesis to attain a PhD degree (dr.) at Leiden University. Candidates will participate in the education and supervision program of the Leiden Graduate School of Science, as well as in the Hybrid Intelligence project graduate school. Teaching duties of max 10% of the time are foreseen.

• A MSc or equivalent degree in Artificial Intelligence or Computer Science with a focus on Artificial Intelligence;
• Interest in automated negotiation and closely related topics in multi-agent systems;
• Experience with machine learning techniques and tools, experience and interest in advanced statistical analysis;
• Background in algorithms, programming skills in C++ and scripting languages, such as Python;
• Ability to work in a team and a strong commitment to curiosity-driven, basic research;
• Excellent proficiency in English.

We offer a full-time temporary 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 € 2.975,-  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.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Universiteit Leiden

This PhD position is part of the NWO Hybrid Intelligence project, that aims to develop AI to will work together with humans. Why build AI systems that replace people if we can build AI systems that collaborate with people? Hybrid Intelligence is the combination of human and machine intelligence, expanding human intellect instead of replacing it.  Our goal is to design Hybrid Intelligent systems, an approach to Artificial Intelligence that puts humans at the centre, changing the course of the ongoing AI revolution. The project will be recruiting 27 PhD or postdoc positions in total; for more information on these projects see the website.