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PhD Position on Learning Concepts with Theoretical Guarantees Using Causality and RL

  • Faculty of Science
  • 14071
  • Master's
  • €2.901 - €3.707
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    15-06-2025
Apply

PhD Position on Learning Concepts with Theoretical Guarantees Using Causality and RL

  • Faculty of Science
  • 14071
  • Master's
  • €2.901 - €3.707
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    15-06-2025
Apply

Working at the UvA

Join our team!

The  Amsterdam Machine Learning Lab (AMLab) group at the university of Amsterdam is looking for a PhD candidate on this topic. The position is part of the Hybrid Intelligence consortium, a network of excellence of universities and institutes in the Netherlands focused on the combination of human and machine intelligence. This project will be in collaboration with the Sequential Decision Making group at TU Delft.

An AI model can have perfect accuracy on the training dataset even by learning the wrong concepts, i.e. by exploiting spurious correlations or other learning shortcuts.  For example, a classifier might have perfect accuracy for the class “Cow” on a dataset in which we have only pictures of cows in Switzerland, but might fail miserably when applied to cows in the Netherlands, since it had used the background of mountains to classify the “Cow” concept. Learning transferable and robust concepts that can be reused or even composed in new settings requires reducing or ideally eliminating these shortcuts.

This PhD position will focus on addressing these issues by providing theoretical guarantees on learning interpretable high-level concepts from unstructured data, e.g. visual inputs, and actions in embodied AI settings. In particular, we will assume that high-level concepts correspond to ground truth causal variables. We will then develop a principled framework that combines causal representation learning and reinforcement learning (RL) to identify them by performing actions in an interactive environment with theoretical guarantees in terms of error and generalization bounds. Finally, we will apply the methods developed for this project in a real-world case study within the Hybrid Intelligence consortium on a Robotic Surgeon, an automated exoscope on a robotic arm that collaborates with surgeons.

Working at the UvA

Join our team!

The  Amsterdam Machine Learning Lab (AMLab) group at the university of Amsterdam is looking for a PhD candidate on this topic. The position is part of the Hybrid Intelligence consortium, a network of excellence of universities and institutes in the Netherlands focused on the combination of human and machine intelligence. This project will be in collaboration with the Sequential Decision Making group at TU Delft.

An AI model can have perfect accuracy on the training dataset even by learning the wrong concepts, i.e. by exploiting spurious correlations or other learning shortcuts.  For example, a classifier might have perfect accuracy for the class “Cow” on a dataset in which we have only pictures of cows in Switzerland, but might fail miserably when applied to cows in the Netherlands, since it had used the background of mountains to classify the “Cow” concept. Learning transferable and robust concepts that can be reused or even composed in new settings requires reducing or ideally eliminating these shortcuts.

This PhD position will focus on addressing these issues by providing theoretical guarantees on learning interpretable high-level concepts from unstructured data, e.g. visual inputs, and actions in embodied AI settings. In particular, we will assume that high-level concepts correspond to ground truth causal variables. We will then develop a principled framework that combines causal representation learning and reinforcement learning (RL) to identify them by performing actions in an interactive environment with theoretical guarantees in terms of error and generalization bounds. Finally, we will apply the methods developed for this project in a real-world case study within the Hybrid Intelligence consortium on a Robotic Surgeon, an automated exoscope on a robotic arm that collaborates with surgeons.

All about this vacancy

What you will do

You will perform machine learning research, developing a framework for learning interpretable and robust concepts with theoretical guarantees, and evaluating it on realistic simulations and a real-world use case within the Hybrid Intelligence consortium on a Robotic Surgeon. You are able to work within a team, while also pro-actively tackling research challenges with input and guidance from you advisors.  

Tasks and responsibilities:

  • invent, evaluate and describe novel algorithms for learning concepts with theoretical guarantees from unstructured data;
  • present research results at international conferences, workshops, and journals;
  • pursue and complete a PhD thesis within the appointed duration of four years;
  • assist in teaching activities, such as teaching labs and tutorials or supervising bachelor and master students;

What do you have to offer?

Your experience and profile:

  • MSc in computer science, artificial intelligence or a related field;
  • Strong background in machine learning;
  • Good prior experience with/knowledge of reinforcement learning and/or causal inference;
  • Strong interest in the topic and open to communicate with others in the group and the Hybrid Intelligence consortium.

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 by the end of 2025. 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, will range from €2,901 in the first year to €3,707 in the last year (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 Promovendus 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

You will perform machine learning research, developing a framework for learning interpretable and robust concepts with theoretical guarantees, and evaluating it on realistic simulations and a real-world use case within the Hybrid Intelligence consortium on a Robotic Surgeon. You are able to work within a team, while also pro-actively tackling research challenges with input and guidance from you advisors.  

Tasks and responsibilities:

  • invent, evaluate and describe novel algorithms for learning concepts with theoretical guarantees from unstructured data;
  • present research results at international conferences, workshops, and journals;
  • pursue and complete a PhD thesis within the appointed duration of four years;
  • assist in teaching activities, such as teaching labs and tutorials or supervising bachelor and master students;

What do you have to offer?

Your experience and profile:

  • MSc in computer science, artificial intelligence or a related field;
  • Strong background in machine learning;
  • Good prior experience with/knowledge of reinforcement learning and/or causal inference;
  • Strong interest in the topic and open to communicate with others in the group and the Hybrid Intelligence consortium.

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 by the end of 2025. 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, will range from €2,901 in the first year to €3,707 in the last year (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 Promovendus 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 (FNWI) 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. The main research themes are Artificial Intelligence, Computational Science and Systems and Network Engineering. 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.

This project is funded by Hybrid Intelligence gravity project. This particular project is a collaboration between Amsterdam Machine Learning Lab (AMLAB ) at the University of Amsterdam and the Sequential Decision Making group at TU Delft. You will be employed full time at University of Amsterdam within AMLab and will work under the supervison of Sara Magliacane (daily supervisor), Frans Oliehoek (co-supervisor) and Herke van Hoof (promoter). 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. We also provide the opportunity to have broad collaborations within the Hybrid Intelligence project that spans many universities in the Netherlands and with other groups in our department.

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 (FNWI) 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. The main research themes are Artificial Intelligence, Computational Science and Systems and Network Engineering. 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.

This project is funded by Hybrid Intelligence gravity project. This particular project is a collaboration between Amsterdam Machine Learning Lab (AMLAB ) at the University of Amsterdam and the Sequential Decision Making group at TU Delft. You will be employed full time at University of Amsterdam within AMLab and will work under the supervison of Sara Magliacane (daily supervisor), Frans Oliehoek (co-supervisor) and Herke van Hoof (promoter). 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. We also provide the opportunity to have broad collaborations within the Hybrid Intelligence project that spans many universities in the Netherlands and with other groups in our department.

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 button below. We accept applications until and including 15 June 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, including a clean indication of your fitness to this position;
  • a written sample in English, e.g., (a draft of) your master thesis or a paper;
  • a complete record of your Bachelor and Master courses, included grades and explanation of the grading system;
  • the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation (please do not include any reference letters in your application). We will contact the references only at the later stages of the process. 

Please make sure to provide ALL requested documents mentioned above.

You can use the CV field to upload your resume as a separate pdf document. Use the Cover Letter field to upload the other requested documents, including the motivation letter, as one single pdf file.

A knowledge security check may 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. Please don’t send any applications by email.

 We will invite potential candidates for interviews soon after the expiration of the vacancy.

 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.
Read more

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 button below. We accept applications until and including 15 June 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, including a clean indication of your fitness to this position;
  • a written sample in English, e.g., (a draft of) your master thesis or a paper;
  • a complete record of your Bachelor and Master courses, included grades and explanation of the grading system;
  • the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation (please do not include any reference letters in your application). We will contact the references only at the later stages of the process. 

Please make sure to provide ALL requested documents mentioned above.

You can use the CV field to upload your resume as a separate pdf document. Use the Cover Letter field to upload the other requested documents, including the motivation letter, as one single pdf file.

A knowledge security check may 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. Please don’t send any applications by email.

 We will invite potential candidates for interviews soon after the expiration of the vacancy.

 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.

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