PhD student, on Genetic Programming for eXplainable AI

Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI, the Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science) located in Amsterdam, the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) together have a vacancy for a fully funded

PhD student,

on Genetic Programming for eXplainable AI applied to Paraganglioma Treatment

CWI, LUMC, and TU Delft are joining forces in the form of a joint PhD student position. CWI (the Evolutionary Intelligence research group) already closely collaborates with LUMC (the department of Radiation Oncology) to work on AI innovations in the medical domain along the entire spectrum from algorithmic foundations to clinical integration. Already there are several AI-based projects running between these institutes, constituting a large and vibrant collaborative research group of 18 PhD students. The current PhD student position additionally ties in the strengths of TU Delft (the Algorithmics section of the department of Software Technology at the faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science).

In the context of a European project called TRUST-AI - Transparent, Reliable and Unbiased Smart Tool for Artificial Intelligence, there is 1 PhD student position available on advancing novel eXplainable AI (XAI) algorithms that are predominantly based on the specific evolutionary algorithms subtype of Genetic Programming (GP, and in particular the GP variant of GOMEA – GP-GOMEA).

This position is part of a larger subproject of TRUST-AI that constitutes 2 PhD students. The goal of the larger subproject is to use (mostly) GP-based XAI algorithms to provide useful and insightful decision support in clinical practice for the treatment of paraganglioma, which are rare tumours in the head and neck region.

Intended subgoals of the currently offered PhD position include:

• making algorithmic advances on GP-GOMEA,
• creating a graphical user interface to facilitate user-friendly interactive search for the most appropriate model, and
• applying the new technology to the paraganglioma use-case (together with the other PhD student), and clinically validating the results.

For the first 30 months, the position will be at CWI. For the last 18 months, the position will be at TU Delft. During the entire 48 months, the candidate is expected to divide their physical attendance between each of the involved institutes: CWI, LUMC, and TU Delft. A separate supervisor from each of these institutes will be involved in the research (for CWI: Prof.dr. Peter A.N. Bosman, for LUMC: Dr. Tanja Alderliesten, and for TU Delft: Dr. Anna Lukina).

Candidates are required to have an M.Sc. degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, or similar areas with relevant experience. If you are obtaining your M.Sc. degree in the coming months, you are also invited to respond.

Applicants are required to have excellent programming skills (with C/C++/Java experience being desirable). Applicants are further expected to have an excellent command of English.

The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres ("CAO-onderzoeksinstellingen"). The initial labour agreement will be for a period of 12 months. After a positive evaluation, the agreement will be extended by 18 months. After this agreement ends, an additional labour agreement for 18 months will be provided at TU Delft, together constituting a 4-year PhD trajectory as is common in The Netherlands. The gross monthly salary, for a PhD student on a full time basis, is €2,590 during the first year and increases to €3,318 over the four year period.

At both CWI and TU Delft, employees are also entitled to a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.33%. CWI and TU Delft offer attractive working conditions, including flexible scheduling and help with housing for expat employees.

Please visit our website for more information about our terms of employment: https://www.cwi.nl/jobs/terms-of-employment

Applications can be sent up to and including Sunday, May 21, 2023. Applications must include: a detailed CV including at least one reference contact, a letter of motivation including research interests and reasons for applying, Bachelor’s and Master’s level certificates and a lists of courses followed (at Bachelor’s and Master’s level) including obtained grades.

The starting date is flexible, but an early start is preferable.

For residents outside the EER-area, a Toefl English language test might be required.

For more information about the vacancies, please contact Peter A.N. Bosman, [email protected]
For more information about CWI, please visit www.cwi.nl or watch our video about working at CWI .

CWI encourages a diverse workforce: we endeavor to develop talent and creativity by bringing people from different backgrounds and cultures together. We recruit and select based on capabilities and talent. We strongly encourage everyone with the appropriate qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical abilities.

CWI encourages a diverse workforce: we endeavour to develop talent and creativity by bringing people from different backgrounds and cultures together. We recruit and select based on capabilities and talent. We strongly encourage everyone with the appropriate qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical abilities.

Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) is the Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science and is part of the Institutes Organisation of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) . The mission of CWI is to conduct pioneering research in mathematics and computer science, generating new knowledge in these fields and conveying it to trade, industry, and society at large.

CWI is an internationally oriented institute, with 160 scientists from approximately 27 countries, an informal atmosphere and short lines of communication. We have an activity committee that organizes after-work activities and an informal women’s network.  

CWI is located at Science Park Amsterdam, the home of AMS-IX, that is presently developing into a major location of research in the physical sciences in The Netherlands, housing the sciences of the University of Amsterdam as well as several other national research institutes next to CWI.

For more information about the research of the Evolutionary Intelligence group at CWI, the Artificial Intelligence-based Innovations group at LUMC, or the Algorithmics section at TU Delft, please visit our websites https://www.cwi.nl/en/groups/evolutionary-intelligence/ , https://www.lumc.nl/en/about-lumc/afdelingen/radiotherapie/artificial-intelligence-based-innovations/ , and https://www.tudelft.nl/ewi/over-de-faculteit/afdelingen/software-technology/algorithmics

About TU Delft
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research, and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.