PhD Position in Data Quality for/using AI-based Solutions

Data quality has persisted as a prominent concern for organizations over several decades. Yet, the recent strides made in the data-centric AI paradigm have reemphasized the critical nature of data quality. Simultaneously, numerous contemporary data quality and data cleansing solutions harness the power of AI technology. Consequently, data quality has emerged as a focal point of interest within various research communities, encompassing disciplines such as databases, machine learning, and information systems. Furthermore, the ethical and regulatory considerations intertwined with AI-based solutions have spurred the development of novel dimensions and assessment methods for data quality, reflecting the evolving landscape in this domain.

We are looking for a PhD candidate to work on Data Quality for/using AI-based solutions. You will explore data-centric research problems within and using AI solutions, addressing questions such as:

• How can we use AI-based methods to improve the quality of datasets?
• How can we efficiently build a high-quality training data including ethical and regulatory terms?
• How can we design automated data quality metrics that scale to large datasets?

The PhD position will be jointly supervised by dr. Hazar Harmouch  and prof. Paul Groth  from the Intelligent Data Engineering Lab .

What are you going to do?

You are expected:

• to perform research
• to publish and present the results in international journals and leading conferences, and to write a PhD thesis
• to collaborate with the member of the research group involved
• contribute to our education activities as assistant to a course and/or guiding students in their thesis work

What do you have to offer?

We are looking for a candidate with:

• an MSc in computer science or a related field
• a creative and independent mindset
• strong programming skills in Python 
• experience in working with relational databases
• a university-level understanding of machine learning
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• fluency in English, both written and spoken
• the willingness to work collaboratively with other researchers

Not required, but helpful:

• Industry experience with ML deployments and/or real world data processing systems (e.g., internship, work, entrepreneurial experience)
• Experience with responsible ML (e.g. fairness, GDPR)
• Contributions to open source projects

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is as soon as possible. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,770 in the first year to € 3,539 in the last year (scale P). UvA additionally offers an extensive package of secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. The UFO profile ‘PhD candidate’ 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;
• A complete educational program for PhD students;
• 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 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.

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:

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 17 March 2024. 

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

• a detailed CV detailing your education and work experience (including list of Publications)
• a letter of motivation (at most two pages)
• a list of all Master-level modules you have taken, with an official transcript of grades
• a link to GitHub profile

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.

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 . They will gladly help you continue your application. 

No agencies please.