PostDoc in Causal Machine Learning and Reinforcement Learning (3 years)

Are you interested in combining machine learning with statistical methods, and do you want to contribute to shaping the future of data science techniques and applications with an eye on society? Then VU Amsterdam would like to get to know you!

This PostDoc position focuses on causal machine learning and reinforcement learning over a period of 3 years.

Your function

We are looking for a PostDoc who will do research on the intersection of machine learning (ML) and statistics. More specifically, the focus is on the development of algorithmic improvements in causal inference and reinforcement learning through the cross fertilization of machine learning and statistical approaches and applying these innovations in a health setting.

The position is embedded in two projects which act as application domains. First of all, the ten-year gravitation grant Stress in Action, funded through NWO (Dutch National Science Foundation). The goal of the project is to move stress research from the lab into daily life, and hence, the use cases of the methodological innovations will focus on applications to stress-related data, such as wearables, ecological momentary assessments, and other types of questionnaires. Secondly, the ZonMW funded MINMED project which aims to unlock causal effects of interventions in elderly care from observational data.

A variety of academic partners are involved in the two projects, including Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Erasmus MC, University of Twente, University of Groningen, UMC Groningen, and Utrecht University.

The position is embedded in the Quantitative Data Analytics (QDA) group of the VU in close collaboration with the Amsterdam UMC, Erasmus MC and the University of Groningen. The QDA group focuses on both fundamental and application-driven research in ML.

We are looking for candidates with experience in the area of machine learning or statistics, with a special preference for those with expertise in causal inference and/or reinforcement learning, ideally complemented with a solid background in statistics. We are interested in attracting a PostDoc who is able to perform ground-breaking research on fundamental aspects of machine learning and statistics and wants to apply these innovations in the context of the Stress in Action and MINMED projects.

Your duties

The PostDoc position is focused on performing research and contains the following duties:

• performing research in the field of machine learning and publishing in top AI and ML conferences
• participating in the QDA group of VU (lead by Mark Hoogendoorn), the Biostatistics group of Erasmus MC (led by Dimitris Rizopoulos), and Laura Bringmann's intensive longitudinal data lab at the University of Groningen
• contributing to the Stress in Action and MINMED projects and interacting with the different partners and stakeholders in the project
• contributing to some teaching activities and possibly supervising Bachelor and Master students (20% of the time)

Your profile

We will base our selection on the following components:

• a PhD degree in an area relevant to machine learning and/or statistics
• prior experience in machine learning, ideally also on applications in the health domain, demonstrated by relevant publications
• a strong record of computer programming, with experience in pytorch and/or tensorflow
• demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team member

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The appointment will initially be for a duration of 3 years at VU Amsterdam, including a 2 months probation.

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• discount on (and occasionally exclusive access to) theater performances and courses at the Griffioen Cultural Center
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
• contribution to commuting expenses

About us

Computer Science Department

The Department has approximately 220 staff members, including 100 PhD students. University research and teaching staff is a critical and essential basis for the functioning of the department, providing foundational education that helps determine the future of our students. Currently, we offer programs in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Information Sciences (BSc and MSc), Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (MSc), with a total of around 1000 new students each year.

The department explicitly encourages inter- and cross disciplinary research, and expects the successful candidate to be able to collaborate with colleagues in other fields of Computer Science (e.g. Artificial Intelligence and Quantitative Data Analytics, Software and Sustainability, or System Security), as well as with colleagues from other institutes such as CWI. A large share of interdisciplinary research with the department is embedded in the Network Institute of Vrije Universiteit, covering disciplines such as Social sciences, Humanities, and Economics. The Department also actively participates in Amsterdam Data Science, a collaboration between more than 600 data science researchers from different institutions in Amsterdam and AMSec, the Amsterdam security collaborative center with researchers from different institutions in Amsterdam.

Faculty of Science

Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research.

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.