PhD position on Theoretical Physics and Machine Learning

The project you will work on lies on the boundary between AI and theoretical physics. Physics has been a source of inspiration for innovation since the early days of machine learning. In particular, building on recent developments on VAE and diffusion models, we focus on the role of physics in generative models. In generative AI, images, text or other data such as molecules are generated by learning to invert the coarse graining steps in a diffusion process. This is to be compared with the emergence of new physics at different scales that can be well modeled using the Renormalization Group. We aim at exploiting this analogy further to gain a deeper understanding of generative models on the one hand, and to improve the computational aspects of RG flows on the other. The project will be supervised by Dr Miranda Cheng and partially co-supervised by Prof. Max Welling. 

What are you going to do?

You will work together with a strong, welcoming and collaborative teams on both theoretical physics and machine learning. You will write scientific publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, present results in leading international conferences, and help supervise Master students. 

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Conducting independent research in physics and machine learning, resulting in academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals;
• Help to guide Master students in the group.

Your profile

You are have enthusiasm and talent for theoretical physics and machine learning, eager to explore the interaction between the two

Your experience and profile:

• MSc in physics of computer science;
• Fluent in spoken and written English;
• Excel academically, as indicated by grade transcript and curriculum vitae;
• Basic knowledge about machine learning.

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 1 September 2024. 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 € 2,541 to € 3,247 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. 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 is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 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 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 Institute of Physics (IoP ) of the Faculty of Science combines the Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute (WZI), the Institute of Theoretical Physics (ITFA) and the Institute for High Energy Physics (IHEF) and is one of the large research institutes of the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam. The Amsterdam Institute of Theoretical Physics (ITFA) is a vibrant leading institute. The group's research interests are diverse and extend across condensed matter theory, high energy physics, and computational physics.

Any questions?

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

Dr Miranda C. N. Cheng. [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 01 April 2024.

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

• A detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• A letter of motivation;
• A list of publications (if any);
• Transcripts of your grades from your Bachelor and Master studies.
• Two letters of recommendation should be sent to [email protected] , with the subject starting with “PhD1-24”, by the deadline.

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.

No agencies please