PhD Position: Foundation Models for Data Integration

PhD Position: Foundation Models for Data Integration

Working at the UvA

Join our team!

As part of the UNIFIED project we are looking for a PhD candidate to research new adaptative architectures and foundation models for the integration of healthcare data specifically incorporating patient preferences.  This includes challenges such as how to adapt to different perspectives and data models as well as ensuring high quality and robust integration.

The PhD is situated in the Intelligent Data Engineering Lab and will be supervised by Dr. Jan-Christoph Kalo and Prof. Paul Groth. 

Working at the UvA

Join our team!

As part of the UNIFIED project we are looking for a PhD candidate to research new adaptative architectures and foundation models for the integration of healthcare data specifically incorporating patient preferences.  This includes challenges such as how to adapt to different perspectives and data models as well as ensuring high quality and robust integration.

The PhD is situated in the Intelligent Data Engineering Lab and will be supervised by Dr. Jan-Christoph Kalo and Prof. Paul Groth. 

All about this vacancy

What you will do

Your tasks and responsibilities:

  • perform novel research at the intersection of data integration and foundation models;
  • publish and present your work in journals and international conferences;
  • contribute as a member of the UNIFIED project interacting professionally with consortium members and stakeholders;
  • be an active part of the Informatics Institute, in particular, Intelligent Data Engineering (INDElab) group, and their activities;
  • assist in educational activities and supervision of bachelor and master students;
  • complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years. 

What we ask of you

We are looking for a candidate with:

  • an MSc in computer science, artificial intelligence or a related field
  • a creative and collaborative mindset
  • strong programming skills in Python or Rust
  • strong skills in deep learning systems
  • strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • fluency in English, both written and spoken

Not required, but helpful:

  • Experience with biomedical data/algorithms
  • An affinity for applications of technology
  • Contributions to open source projects

This is what we 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 as soon as possible. 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 € 3,059 to € 3,881 (scale P)..This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. 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:

  • 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.

All about this vacancy

What you will do

Your tasks and responsibilities:

  • perform novel research at the intersection of data integration and foundation models;
  • publish and present your work in journals and international conferences;
  • contribute as a member of the UNIFIED project interacting professionally with consortium members and stakeholders;
  • be an active part of the Informatics Institute, in particular, Intelligent Data Engineering (INDElab) group, and their activities;
  • assist in educational activities and supervision of bachelor and master students;
  • complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years. 

What we ask of you

We are looking for a candidate with:

  • an MSc in computer science, artificial intelligence or a related field
  • a creative and collaborative mindset
  • strong programming skills in Python or Rust
  • strong skills in deep learning systems
  • strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • fluency in English, both written and spoken

Not required, but helpful:

  • Experience with biomedical data/algorithms
  • An affinity for applications of technology
  • Contributions to open source projects

This is what we 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 as soon as possible. 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 € 3,059 to € 3,881 (scale P)..This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. 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:

  • 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.

Your place at the UvA

Where you will work

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 mission of the Informatics Institute (IvI) is to perform curiosity-driven and use-inspired fundamental research in Computer Science. Our research involves complex information systems at large, with a focus on collaborative, data driven, computational and intelligent systems, all with a strong interactive component.

The INtelligent Data Engineering Lab (INDElab) investigates intelligent systems that support people in their work with data and information from diverse sources. INDElab performs both applied and fundamental research informed by empirical insights into data science practice.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

More about the UvA

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

Where you will work

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 mission of the Informatics Institute (IvI) is to perform curiosity-driven and use-inspired fundamental research in Computer Science. Our research involves complex information systems at large, with a focus on collaborative, data driven, computational and intelligent systems, all with a strong interactive component.

The INtelligent Data Engineering Lab (INDElab) investigates intelligent systems that support people in their work with data and information from diverse sources. INDElab performs both applied and fundamental research informed by empirical insights into data science practice.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

More about the UvA

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Important to know

Your application & contact

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 red button. We accept applications until and including 08 December 2025. 

Applications should include the following information (all files apart from 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;
  • previous education diplomas (e.g. Master’s and Bachelor’s)
  • the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation on request

Please make sure to provide ALL requested documents mentioned above in one single file.

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered. Please don’t send any applications by email.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details:
national knowledge security guidelines)

The interviews will be held December 15, 2025

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

Important to know

Your application & contact

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 red button. We accept applications until and including 08 December 2025. 

Applications should include the following information (all files apart from 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;
  • previous education diplomas (e.g. Master’s and Bachelor’s)
  • the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation on request

Please make sure to provide ALL requested documents mentioned above in one single file.

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered. Please don’t send any applications by email.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details:
national knowledge security guidelines)

The interviews will be held December 15, 2025

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

Don't miss out on your dream job!

Sign up for a job alert and you'll receive automatic updates about new and relevant vacancies.

Don't miss out on your dream job!

Sign up for a job alert and you'll receive automatic updates about new and relevant vacancies.