We are looking for highly motivated persons that are interested in research on Data Science and Big Data Analytics. The appointment is at Tilburg University. The PhD students will be based at JADS, whereas the PhD position is connected with the Department of Cognitive Science & Artificial Intelligence at Tilburg University.

Theme: Data Science & Data Analytics for Sustainability

Data Science is becoming increasingly essential to finding answers to the challenges of our era. The Di-Plast project connects data science and sustainability focusing on the optimized reuse of plastics material utilizing sensoring/sensing, data modeling, network analysis, and smart data analytics w.r.t. processes, logistics and supply chains. Within the projects, different pilots and use-cases will be investigated with the according Di-Plast tools. Overall, Di-Plast improves processes for a more stable rPM material supply and quality; environmental assessments validate sustainability. We aim to investigate multi-modal process data, supply chain information and heterogeneous Internet of Things data in order to detect, e.g. anomalous patterns, construct predictive models, and analyze complex networks on heterogeneous multidimensional data. For that, also real-world data from different use-cases will be integrated and explored during the project.

Profile & Tasks

The successful candidate is expected

• To perform scientific research in the domain of data science as described above, at the intersection of
  data science, complex network analysis, and big data analytics;
• To publish and present results at (international) venues & conferences;
• To publish results in high quality scientific journals;

The publications form the basis of the candidate’s PhD thesis.

Candidates should:

• Have an MSc in Data Science, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics, or a related discipline;
• Have a strong interest in data science, including complex network modeling/mining, and big data analytics;
• Have excellent programming skills (e.g., in Python, R, Java) and be highly motivated;
• Be rigorous and disciplined when developing algorithms and software according to high quality standards;
• Have good technical understanding of machine learning and data mining models used in data science;
• Be interested in interdisciplinary collaboration, and applied research;
• Be a fast learner, autonomous and creative, show dedication and be hard working;
• Possess good communication capabilities and be an efficient team worker;
• Have good academic writing and presentation skills.
• Be fluent in English, both spoken and written (C2 CEFR level).

Experience in research and a publication record will be considered additional advantages.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

• A full-time position.
• The selected candidate will start with a contract at Tilburg University at the Department of Cognitive Science & Artificial Intelligence for one year, concluded by an evaluation. Upon a positive outcome of the first-year evaluation, the candidate will be offered an employment contract for the remaining three years.
• The PhD candidate will be ranked in the Dutch university job ranking system (UFO) as a PhD-student (promovendus) with a starting fulltime salary of € 2.325 gross per month in the first year, increasing up to € 2.972 the fourth year.
• The selected candidate is expected to have written a PhD thesis, which may be based on articles, by the end of the contract;
• A holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% (annually);
• Researchers from outside the Netherlands may qualify for a temporary tax-free allowance equal to 30% of their taxable salary. The University will apply for such an allowance on their behalf;
• The University will provide assistance in finding suitable accommodation (for foreign employees);
• Tilburg University is rated among the top Dutch employers and offers very good fringe benefits (it is one of the best non-profit employers in the Netherlands), also including excellent technical infrastructure, savings schemes and excellent sport facilities. The collective labor agreement of the Dutch Universities applies.

Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences

The School of Humanities features several departments, research institutes and a faculty office. Each year around 275 students commence a Bachelor or (Pre) Master Program. The School has approximately 1300 students and 250 employees.

 Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences

School and department

The Department of Cognitive Science & Artificial Intelligence, emphasizes innovative cutting-edge research at the nexus of cognitive science and artificial intelligence. It is affiliated with the Jheronimus Academy of Data Science (http://www.jads.nl), which focuses on understanding and advancing the value of data in solving complex societal and business challenges. Researchers at JADS connected with the Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence track at Tilburg University have access to computer clusters, as well as experimental lab facilities at Tilburg University.