Postdoctoral Researcher in AI for Sustainability

17 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

UvA

Research Field

Computer science

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

15 Feb 2024 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

To be defined

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

To be defined

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher in AI for sustainability. AI has a tremendous potential for accelerating the development of sustainable technologies. Realising this potential requires fundamental research to develop new AI methods for the design and modelling of physical systems as well as translational research to adapt inventions to practical use cases.

This work contributes to the European Lighthouse of AI for Sustainability (ELiAS), an EU-funded collaboration between 32 partners in both academia an industry. ELiAS will accelerate the development of AI-driven methods for computational design, data-driven simulations, as well as the development of neural networks for fast approximation of scientific computations (e.g., to accelerate climate simulations). ELiAS will also focus on devising new approaches for reducing the energy requirements of AI systems.

What are you going to do?

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Develop AI methods for computational design, by combining techniques for:
  • Bayesian optimization and experiment design;
  • Probabilistic programming and simulation-based inference;
  • Development of data-efficient neural surrogate models;
• Present your research by contributing to international conferences, workshops, and journals;
• Actively participate in activities for the ELiAS and ELLIS networks;
• Assist in teaching activities: teaching courses; supervising master and PhD students.

What do you have to offer?

Your experience and profile:

• PhD in Machine Learning, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field;
• Experience in programming and software development. Familiarity with Python and statistical computing libraries (e.g. NumPy, PyTorch, JAX) is preferred;
• Enthusiasm for the scientific process: formulating and conducting experiments, data collection and analysis, disseminating findings via writing and oral presentations;
• Ability to cooperate and work effectively within a team;
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Our offer

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 24 months. The preferred starting date is as soon as possible.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,226 to € 5,090 (scale 10). UvA additionally offers an extensive package of secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. The UFO profile Researcher 4 is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the '30% ruling', may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park, we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• Multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• Multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• Multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• Partly paid parental leave;
• The possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• A pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• The possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• Help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you're moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

About us

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 42,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science (FNWI) has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The mission of the Informatics Institute (IvI) is to perform curiosity-driven and use-inspired fundamental research in Computer Science. The main research themes are Artificial Intelligence, Computational Science and Systems and Network Engineering. Our research involves complex information systems at large, with a focus on collaborative, data driven, computational and intelligent systems, all with a strong interactive component.

You will be working within the Amsterdam Machine Learning Lab (AMLab) which conducts research in the area of large scale modelling of complex data sources. This includes the development of new methods for probabilistic graphical models and non-parametric Bayesian models, the development of faster (approximate) inference and learning methods, deep learning, causal inference, reinforcement learning and multi-agent systems and the application of all of the above to large scale data domains in science and industry ('Big Data problems'). AMLab is co-directed by Max Welling and Jan-Willem van de Meent. AMLab positions itself in the AI research theme, and also with clear links to the Data Science theme of the Informatics Institute.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• E: Jan-Willem van de Meent, Associate Professor (UHD): [email protected]

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 4 February 2024.

Applications should include the following information (all files apart from your CV should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications (with hyperlinks);
• A research statement describing your interests and research trajectory;
• The names and contact information of at least two academic references (please do not include the letters themselves);
• Optional: A letter providing any additional information not sufficiently highlighted by the other materials. For instance, the letter could describe how Covid-19 has affected productivity.

Please make sure to provide ALL requested documents mentioned above.
You can use the CV field to upload your resume as a separate pdf document. Use the Cover Letter field to upload the other requested documents, including the motivation letter, as one single pdf file.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: National knowledge security guidelines).

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered. Please don't send any applications by email.

We will invite potential candidates for interviews soon after the expiration of the vacancy.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451/ GBC451, please try using a VPN connection when outside of the European Union. Please reach out directly to our HR Department directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.

No agencies please.

Requirements
Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

UvA

Country

Netherlands

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://illbeback.ai/job/postdoctoral-researcher-in-ai-for-sustainability/?utm_…

STATUS: EXPIRED