Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI, the Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science) has a vacancy in the Evolutionary Intelligence research group for an enthusiastic talented
Postdoc on the subject of Transfer Learning for Evolutionary Algorithms applied to Optimisation Problems (m/f/x)

Job description

CWI is hosting a 2.5-year project focusing on Continuous Tailoring of Evolutionary Algorithms to Recurring Problems. We are looking for a talented postdoc who is interested in pursuing scientific research at the intersection of evolutionary algorithms and machine learning.
The project targets settings, where similar optimisation problems are encountered repeatedly. For example, logistics companies need to solve comparable routing problems every day. Medical professionals need to create effective treatment plans regularly. Hyperparameters of algorithms need to be adjusted for each new task. While the underlying problem structures remain unknown, black-box optimisation approaches could be iteratively tailored to the regularly encountered problem over time.
The main question we want to answer is: Which steps of the tailoring process of evolutionary algorithms can be transferred across which different usecases? Related research topics thus include measuring problem similarity, as well as analysing and explaining algorithm behaviour (theoretically and empirically).

Requirements

Candidates are required to have completed their Ph D in mathematics or computer science, with a strong background in evolutionary computation and/or machine learning. Ideally, the candidate has already worked on transfer learning.
Additionally, required qualifications for candidates include a solid publication record, strong background in empirical evaluation studies, and good programming, academic writing and presentation skills. Candidates are expected to have an excellent command of English.
Candidates who possess most but not all of these qualifications are welcome to apply.

Terms and conditions

The appointment will be for 30 months and the gross monthly salary for an employee on a full time basis, depending on relevant work experience, ranges from € 4.501 to € 5.486. Specifically, the terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres ("CAO-onderzoeksinstellingen").
Employees at CWI/NWO-I are also entitled to a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.33%. CWI offers attractive working conditions, including flexible scheduling
Please visit our websites for more information about our terms of employment:
https://www.cwi.nl/jobs/terms-of-employment and
https://www.nwo-i.nl/en/working-at-nwo-i/jobsatnwoi/

Information and application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the “Apply” button on this page. The application should include:

• A 2-page CV,
• a detailed motivation letter including research interests and reasons for applying,
• a list of relevant publications,
• and contact details of three references.

If available:

• Examples of code you produced (e.g. link to a Git Hub repository / account)
• A link to your Google Scholar page

Both national and international applications are appreciated. Please submit your application on or before January 10th, 2025, Ao E. The starting date is flexible, but an early start is preferable.
For more information about the vacancy, please contact Vanessa Volz, vanessa.volz@cwi.nl.

Diversity code

CWI encourages a diverse workforce: we endeavour to develop talent and creativity by bringing people from different backgrounds and cultures together. We recruit and select based on capabilities and talent. We strongly encourage everyone with the appropriate qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical abilities.

About CWI

Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) is the Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science and is part of the Institutes Organisation of the Dutch Research Council (NWO). The mission of CWI is to conduct pioneering research in mathematics and computer science, generating new knowledge in these fields and conveying it to trade, industry, and society at large.
CWI is an internationally oriented institute, with 160 scientists from approximately 27 countries, an informal atmosphere and short lines of communication. We have an activity committee that organizes after-work activities and an informal women’s network.
CWI is located at Science Park Amsterdam, the home of AMS-IX, that is presently developing into a major location of research in the physical sciences in The Netherlands, housing the sciences of the University of Amsterdam as well as several other national research institutes next to CWI.

About Research group

To find more information about the CWI Evolutionary Intelligence group, please visit the group page.