Postdoc on Supporting Human Decision Making with Reinforcement Learning

Do you like to investigate how reinforcement learning agents can optimally support human decision making? The Informatics Institute at the University of Amsterdam is looking for an ambitious postdoc. Your research will be part of the Amsterdam Machine Learning Lab (AMLab).

What are you going to do?
You will perform independent research on the topic of supporting human decisions with reinforcement learning. This research will take place in the context of two projects: Hybrid Intelligence and AI4RealNet, which will offer collaboration opportunities and require some synchronization with academic and industrial partners. You will also be able to work together with a PhD student working on the same project.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Conducting independent research in supporting human decisions with reinforcement learning, with a focus on interactive AI and transparent, trustworthy and safe AI.
• Disseminating research outcomes e.g. at conferences or workshops.
• Actively contributing to the larger research project goals of Hybrid Intelligence and AI4RealNet.
• Contributing to education in the informatics institute, e.g. by supervising bachelor or master theses.

Your profile

Your experience and profile:

• You have a PhD in computer science, AI, machine learning, or a closely related field;
• You are a committed researcher, demonstrated by publications in international refereed academic journals and conferences;
• Professional command of English

Not required, but helpful:

• Experience with reinforcement learning, decision support, explainability, or transparent, trustworthy, and safe AI is preferred.
• Furthermore, some experience with working in the context of a larger project or collaboration is preferred.

Our offer
We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 18 months. The preferred starting date is as soon as possible. If we assess your performance positive, your contract will be extended with an additional 12 months (total 30 months).

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,345 to € 5,278 (scale 10) .This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. 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;
• 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 Informatics Institute performs curiosity-driven and use-inspired fundamental research and to trains talent by high-quality academic education in diverse areas of informatics. The postdoc will be embedded within the AMLab (Amsterdam Machine Learning Lab) research group that is headed by Dr. Jan-Willem van de Meent and Prof. Max Welling. Daily supervision will be provided by Herke van Hoof and Frans Oliehoek (TU Delft). The AMLAB consists of about 30 people working on various topics within machine learning, including deep learning, reinforcement learning, causality, geometric learning, Bayesian methods, etcetera. Within the lab, collaboration is stimulated, as is interaction between group members in formal settings (e.g. seminars) as well as informal setting.

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:

• Herke van Hoof, assistant professor, h.c.vanhoof@uva.nl

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 29 November 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;
• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

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.

The interviews will be held in the course of December 2024 and January 2025.

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.

38 hours per week

Science Park 904