2 PhD Candidates, Reinforcement Learning for Sustainable Energy

These positions are embedded in the Reinforcement Learning Lab for Sustainable Energy, a cooperation between Leiden University and an industrial partner. The global energy transition is one of the key challenges that our world faces. At the same time, reinforcement learning is a key technology in artificial intelligence and machine learning that set various state-of-the-art results. In the Reinforcement Learning Lab for Sustainable Energy, researchers from academia and industry develop, implement and evaluate new deep reinforcement learning methodology to solve sustainable energy challenges.

There are two open positions: one with a more applied touch, where you will focus on real-world data and sustainability challenges, and one more theoretical/algorithmic position, where the focus will lie on novel reinforcement learning methodology.

Key responsibilities

The lab is part of LIACS, the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science, in close collaboration with an industrial partner. You will work with top AI researchers in reinforcement learning and machine learning and have access to state-of-the-art industry experts, data and knowledge, allowing you to make an impact during your PhD research. In both positions you will work with real world data and models, aimed at developing fundamental methods with real world impact.

The lab is affiliated with the LIACS Reinforcement Learning Group, supervised by Aske Plaat and Thomas Moerland.

Selection Criteria

• A master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field;
• Affinity with Reinforcement Learning and Deep Learning. Preferably you have a track record in these fields during your studies, for example in the form of a research course report or master’s thesis;
• Good programming skills. Preferably you have provable experience with deep learning; software (e.g., Pytorch, Jax, Tensorflow) and large-scale experimentation, for example displayed through a Github repository associated with a course report/thesis;
• Affinity with the sustainable energy transition;
• Good research skills;
• Good writing and presentation skills;
• Good teamwork skills;
• Assist in relevant teaching activities;

Research at our faculty

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from mathematics, artificial intelligence, computer science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute in the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, ICT in Business, Media Technology, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, we are one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow.

Terms and conditions

We offer a full-time 1-year term position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary ranges from € 2.770, - to € 3.539, - gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.