The Utrecht University Department of Information and Computing Sciences, Intelligent Systems group, in collaboration with the Dutch police, is looking for enthusiastic Postdocs to work on Automated Argumentation-based Intelligence Analysis in domains such as high-impact crime, drug trafficking and domestic terrorism.

 

Argumentation-based intelligence analysis combines data science, argumentation and man-machine dialogues: when AI systems automatically draw conclusions from data, human intelligence analysts can engage in a dialogue with these systems to argue with the system about these conclusions and the underlying reasons. In this way, the system can be monitored and, through the argument-based feedback, further improved.

 

In intelligence analysis, systems and experts gather and assess data, argue about possible hypothetical scenarios and choose among further investigative actions. While there are (logical, probabilistic) argumentation-based models in AI that can be used to determine why a certain scenario is likely given the data, the question as to how to effectively construct such a scenario and act on it is still open. The focus of the project will be to apply various interactive search, planning and reinforcement learning techniques to the process of intelligence analysis, where scenarios and plans for action are constructed in a collaborative man-machine setting.

 

The research will involve both Knowledge Representation & Reasoning (e.g. what are typical intelligence scenarios? How can we search through possible future scenarios?) as well as Machine Learning (e.g. can we optimize a search through future scenarios? Can we train a system to ask the human analyst the right questions?).

We are looking for Postdocs with a strong technical profile in Artificial Intelligence (i.e. PhD in AI or related field, such as Computer Science or Decision Sciences). The lab’s research involves extensive prototyping of AI systems, so at least basic programming skills and a willingness to further develop such skills are a must. As the project includes a significant symbolic reasoning component, candidates with knowledge of argumentation, logic or semantic web technologies are especially encouraged to apply. Because of the sensitive data used in the research, applicants should be of good repute.

We offer a temporary positions (1.0 FTE) for two years. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €2,706 and €4,274 (scale 10 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) gross per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8 % and a year-end bonus of 8.3 % per year. We offer a pension scheme, (partly paid) parental leave, collective insurance schemes and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information is available at: working at Utrecht University.

The researchers will be part of Utrecht University’s AI & Police lab, where academic research is performed with a keen eye towards practical innovations for the police. The lab currently employs 6 PhD candidates and 2 Postdocs who research and develop state-of-the-art AI innovations for the Dutch National Police. The lab is also part of the ICAI (Innovation Center for AI), a national initiative focused on joint AI technology development between academia, industry and government.

 

The Department of Information and Computing Sciences has a strong national and international reputation in Artificial Intelligence, with a focus on Agent Technologies, Argumentation and AI & Law. There is a large and interdisciplinary AI teaching programme at both Bachelor's and Master’s level, students of which regularly participate in the research of the AI & Police Lab (also under supervision of the prospective Postdocs).

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