Are you looking for a challenging job in a dynamic setting? The program group Brain and Cognition (Psychology) of the Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences is looking for an assistant professor in the field at the intersection of cognitive (neuro)science and cognitive AI. This position is specifically embedded in a faculty broad theme focusing on the human factor in technology, subsection artificial and human intelligence. Within this subsection one of the questions which fits within the program group Brain and Cognition if, how, when, where and why AI and cognitive processes do overlap or differ.

The vacancy of the Assistant Professor position consists of a package of tasks comprising the following four components: education, research, valorization, and administrative tasks.

More specifically, you will:

• conduct and publish high quality research (45% of the time) aimed at understanding the mechanisms underlying behavior/cognition using deep neural networks (DNNs). With this expertise the candidate is expected to collaborate with other researchers in the faculty broad theme focusing on the human factor in technology, subsection artificial and human intelligence, both within the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences at the UvA, and from other universities.
• develop and teach courses and supervise students (max. 55% of the time, depending on management and grant acquisition) in the Bachelor, Master and/or Research Master program of Brain & Cognition, and in particular the Cognitive AI track;
• actively pursue (inter)national collaboration within and between disciplines;
• attract externally funded research projects;
• contribute to the group by participating in research and teaching committees, like organizing research meetings, being a member of the psychology laboratory committee or instigating teaching intervisions.
• be active in translating your research to a broader audience and the field
  

• having obtained or having submitted a PhD thesis on the topic of DNNs and cognition is a prerequisite for applying to this position.
• having obtained a BKO (or international equivalent) or the willingness to complete the BKO training during your appointment.
• experience (validated by publications) with linking deep neural networks to human behavior and, preferable, also brain activity. This expertise is expected to benefit the faculty broad theme focusing on the human factor in technology, subsection artificial and human intelligence
• experience (validated by publications) with modifying the architecture, or diet, of deep neural networks to make their behavior more similar to that of humans. This expertise is expected to benefit the faculty broad theme focusing on the human factor in technology, subsection artificial and human intelligence
• if not already fluent in Dutch, the willingness to learn Dutch, as it is expected that the candidate will be able to teach in both English and Dutch within 2 years of the start of the contract.

We offer permanent employment upon a satisfactory evaluation following a temporary employment contract of a maximum of 18 months with a probationary period of two months. If you already have (had) an employment contract with the UvA, we offer permanent employment upon a satisfactory evaluation following a temporary employment contract of a maximum of 12 months. The employment contract will be for 38 hours per week. Preferred starting date is 1 September 2022.

The gross monthly salary based on full-time employment (38 hours per week) ranges from € 3,974 up to a maximum of € 5,439 (salary scale 11). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end-of-year bonus. The starting salary will be based on qualifications, expertise and relevant experience. The profile UD2 is applicable in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities.

The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

The Brain and Cognition department is a diverse department with research spanning topics from the anatomy of the brain to the autonomy of the individual. It is a vibrant group of enthusiastic lecturers and researchers (see Brain and Cognition UvA website) Within psychology we provide coursers for both the bachelor and (research)masters. We have two specialized bachelor tracks: Brain and Cognition and Clinical Neuropsychology and two specialized master tracks: Brain and Cognition in Society and Clinical Neuropsychology. Moreover we are active within the Research Master Psychology, the bachelor Psychobiology (FNWI) and the interdisciplinary Research Master program Brain and Cognitive Sciences.

To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Here you can read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.