We are looking for a new PhD student who will do research in the area of machine learning (ML) and in particular on reinforcement learning (RL). The position is embedded in the Quantitative Data Analytics group. The group focuses on both fundamental and application-driven research in ML. We are looking for candidates with experience in the area of machine learning, with a special preference for those having expertise in one or more of the following areas: reinforcement learning, representation learning, explainability of ML methods, and the utilization of domain knowledge in ML. We are interested in attracting a PhD student able to perform ground-breaking research in fundamental aspects of machine learning and reinforcement learning as well as applying this research in relevant benchmarks and for applications such as health-related analytics. The goal of the PhD thesis will be to develop RL algorithms that are able to learn symbolic representations and generalize better, such that they are able to learn better with limited data. This requires smarter and richer algorithms that would be better suited for reasoning on a more abstract level, hence would allow tackling a wider range of applications than they currently do today.

Your duties
The PhD position is focused on performing research towards obtaining a PhD degree and contains the following duties:

• performing research in the field of machine learning and publish in top ML conferences and journals
• contributing to some teaching activities and possibly supervising Bachelor and Master students (20% of the time)

We will base our selection on the following components:

• a master degree in an area relevant to machine learning
• a strong record of computer programming, with experience in pytorch and/or tensorflow
• prior experience in machine learning and ideally on reinforcement learning, demonstrated by relevant courses and master thesis. Having publication(s) in the area would be an additional asset
• demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team member

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts EU 2,395 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to EU 3,061 (PhD) per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 0.8 FTE.The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a total duration of 4 years.

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 26,000 students. We employ over 4,600 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students.
 
About the department
The VUA Department of Computer Science has approximately 170 members, including 35 tenured staff members and 40-50 PhD students. The tenured staff members form the essential basis for the functioning of the department. Diversity is one of our university’s core values. We are an inclusive community, and we believe that diversity and international activities enhance the quality of education and research. We are always looking for people who can enhance diversity on our campus thanks to their background and experience.