Tenure Track Assistant Professor Deep Reinforcement Learning

The tenure track position at the assistant professor level will be within the Amsterdam Machine Learning Lab (AMLAB) at the Institute for Informatics (IvI), Faculty of Sciences (FNWI), University of Amsterdam (UvA). AMLAB is led by Prof. Max Welling and also includes Dr. Joris Mooij, Dr. Zeynep Akata and Prof. Ben Kröse as well as around 25 PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers. Other groups doing related deep learning research within IvI are the Intelligent Sensory Information Systems (ISIS) group (led by Prof. Arnold Smeulders), the Computer Vision (CV) group led by Prof. Theo Gevers, and the Information and Language Systems (ILPS) group (led by Prof. Maarten de Rijke). Prof. Welling also co-directs the Qualcomm-UvA deep learning & computer vision lab (QUVA) with 12 PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers and the UvA-Bosch DELTA Lab with 10 PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers.
Project description
Machine learning, and in particular deep learning has become a driving force behind many recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. From speech recognition, image analysis, natural language understanding, machine translation, query and answering systems, protein folding, and even playing GO, deep learning is breaking records. These exciting developments have not gone unnoticed to industry either: Google, Facebook, IBM, Qualcomm, Yahoo, Microsoft, Bosch, Uber and so on all have large teams of researchers working in deep learning. AMLAB, QUVA Lab and Delta Lab at IvI are currently very active research labs in deep learning, totaling around 30 researchers in this area.
The new tenure tracker is expected to contribute to fundamental research in deep learning. We anticipate that the field of reinforcement learning combined with deep learning (a.k.a. 'deep reinforcement learning') will drive the next wave of innovation in this field. The tenure tracker is expected to have a keen interest and expertise in this topic.
New deep learning labs at IvI are being planned in collaboration with industrial partners. The new tenure tracker is expected to co-direct these new deep learning labs and co-supervise the PhD students and postdocs that will land in these labs.
The tenure tracker is expected to acquire his/her own independent funding from sources such as NWO/STW (e.g. VIDI), H2020 (e.g. ERC starting grant) and industry.
In terms of teaching, the tenure tracker will contribute to strengthening the curriculum in machine learning and deep learning of the master AI, the Bachelor AI and related programs such as the bachelor at the AUC and the master Information Systems, which all offer ML courses. The teaching load is around 30%.
The tenure tracker is expected to contribute to valorization, both in terms of engaging with the media as well as applying the state of the art research tools to applications in society. UVA spinoffs that bring technology to industry and society are highly encouraged.
Finally, the tenure tracker is expected to help with the management of the Informatics Institute.
Requirements
The candidate’s research interests should fall within the general area of machine learning and in particular deep reinforcement learning. Candidates must hold a doctorate in Computer Science or a related area. A strong track record in research is essential, as demonstrated by independent scientific publications in peer reviewed journals, as well as research interest and expertise in the area of Machine Learning. Candidates should be able to obtain research funding in a competitive environment. In addition, candidates must have a proven track record of teaching abilities as well as the ability to supervise MSc and PhD candidates. At least two years of postdoctoral experience is expected but not strictly necessary. International research experience is also preferred.
Further information
Further information about this vacancy may be obtained from:
Prof. M. Welling
T: +31 (0)20 525 8256