PhD students on evolutionary algorithms, deep learning, and medical applications

Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI, the Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science) located in Amsterdam, and the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC) together have 3 vacancies for fully funded

PhD students,

on evolutionary algorithms and deep learning with applications in medicine.

Job description
CWI (the Life Sciences and Health research group) closely collaborates with LUMC (the department of radiation oncology) to work on innovations in the medical domain along the entire spectrum from algorithmic foundations to clinical integration. Already there are several AI-based projects running between these institutes, constituting a large and vibrant research group of 12 PhD students and postdocs.

On 3 joint projects, CWI and LUMC still seek 3 talented PhD students (2 to be hired at CWI and 1 to be hired at LUMC) to work on the development of evolutionary algorithms (EAs) and deep learning techniques, with applications in radiation oncology.

In a project called Fast, accurate, and insightful brachytherapy treatment planning for cervical cancer through artificial intelligence, in which also the Amsterdam University Medical Centre is involved, we have 1 PhD student position to fill at CWI on the generalization and extension of the core of the evolutionary optimization engine that was originally designed, built, and validated with a focus on prostate cancer brachytherapy treatment. At the basis of this optimization engine is the state-of-the-art research line on EAs known as the Gene-pool Optimal Mixing Evolutionary Algorithm (GOMEA) family. This position is part of a larger project that constitutes 3 PhD students and 1 scientific programmer.

In a project called TRUST-AI - Transparent, Reliable and Unbiased Smart Tool for Artificial Intelligence, we have 1 PhD student position to fill at CWI on finetuning novel explainable AI algorithms that are predominantly based on the specific EA subtype of Genetic Programming (GP, and in particular the GP variant of GOMEA - GP-GOMEA) and combinations with deep learning, to work well in clinical practice regarding rare tumors in the head and neck region. This position is part of a larger project that constitutes 2 PhD students.

In a project called DAEDALUS - Decentralized and Automated Evolutionary Deep Architecture Learning with Unprecedented Scalability we have 1 PhD student position to fill at LUMC on real-world medical applications of (distributed) deep learning in medical image analysis and radiation therapy dose analysis with multiple treatment centres. There is a strong emphasis on applications, although candidates must have a sufficiently relevant and strong background in computer science, math, or AI to allow understanding the principles of the novel techniques that are developed in the project. This position is part of a larger project that constitutes 3 PhD students and 1 scientific programmer.

Candidates are required to have a Master's degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, or similar areas with relevant experience. If you are obtaining your Master's degree in the coming months, you are also invited to respond.

Applicants are required to have excellent programming skills (with strong C/C++/Java experience highly desired (for the brachytherapy and the TRUST-AI projects)). Applicants are further expected to have an excellent command of English.

Diversity code
CWI encourages a diverse workforce: we endeavour to develop talent and creativity by bringing people from different backgrounds and cultures together. We recruit and select based on capabilities and talent. We strongly encourage everyone with the appropriate qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical abilities.

The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres ("CAO-onderzoeksinstellingen"). The initial labour agreement will be for a period of 18 months. After a positive evaluation, the agreement will be extended by 30 months. The gross monthly salary, for a PhD student on a full time basis, is € 2,407 during the first year and increases to €3,085 over the four year period. Employees are also entitled to a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.33%. CWI offers attractive working conditions, including flexible scheduling and help with housing for expat employees.

Please visit our website for more information about our terms of employment: https://www.cwi.nl/jobs/terms-of-employment

Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) is the Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science and is an institute of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). The mission of CWI is to conduct pioneering research in mathematics and computer science, generating new knowledge in these fields and conveying it to trade, industry, and society at large. CWI is an internationally oriented institute, with 160 scientists from approximately 30 countries. The facilities are first-rate and include excellent IT support, career planning, training, and courses. CWI is located at Science Park Amsterdam that is presently developing into a major location of research in the natural sciences in the Netherlands, housing the sciences of the University of Amsterdam as well as several other national research institutes next to CWI.

For more information about the research of the Life Sciences and Health group at CWI, please visit our website http://www.cwi.nl/research/groups/life-sciences-and-health