What are you going to do

?

This project will be conducted at the Informatics Institute of the University of Amsterdam. the selected candidates will work at the Prosocial Dynamics Lab. The candidates are expected to:

Conduct independent research in the area(s) of multi-agent systems simulation, multi-agent reinforcement learning and game theory;

Develop new (optimized) computational models and systematically evaluate them locally and in high performance computing clusters;

Read scientific literature and creatively suggest new research directions grounded in recent articles, in connection with cooperation, indirect reciprocity, reputation systems and multi-agent reinforcement learning;

Present research results at international conferences and workshops and, in collaboration with the supervisors, write research articles to be published in academic journals and book chapters;

Be an active member of our research community, participate in regular meetings and collaborate with other researchers at the Informatics Institute;

Assist in teaching activities and/or supervising students;

Complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years.

What do you have to offer?

An MSc degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics/Physics, Complex Systems or related fields;

A strong background/knowledge in computational modelling and reinforcement learning. Experience with evolutionary game theory and network science is a plus.

Excellent programming skills preferably in Python, C++, or related languages. Experience with PyTorch is a plus.

Strong communication, presentation and writing skills and an excellent command of English;

Highly motivated, diligent, independent, and creative;

Socially engaged, eager to work in a multidisciplinary environment.

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 (until) March , to be discussed during the interview(s). 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, to € 3, (scale P). UvA additionally offers an extensive package of secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. The UFO profile PhD Candidate 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:

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 + different courses;

7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with % 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.