Coördinator Bedrijfsvoering ACTA

De 17 secties van ACTA zijn geclusterd in vier wetenschappelijke afdelingen met een totale omvang van 232 fte (377 medewerkers) en een exploitatiebudget van € 26 miljoen. Iedere afdeling wordt geleid door een afdelingsvoorzitter. Wij zoeken voor deze vier afdelingsvoorzitters een rechterhand, sparringpartner en adviseur op het terrein van de bedrijfsvoering, zodat zij zich kunnen focussen op academisch leiderschap. De taken zijn hieronder op hoofdlijnen beschreven en zullen door jou verder moeten worden vormgegeven.

Als Coördinator Bedrijfsvoering:

• ondersteun je de afdelingsvoorzitters en lever je vanuit die rol een bijdrage aan de facultaire planning- en controlcyclus en business planning
• beheer en bewaak je namens de afdelingsvoorzitters de toewijzing en uitgave van middelen, in afstemming met de sectiehoofden die integraal budget verantwoordelijk zijn voor Onderwijs, Onderzoek en Zorg
• ondersteun je afdelingsvoorzitters (en in beperkte mate sectiehoofden) bij HR-processen
• coördineer je afdelingsvergaderingen: agenda samenstellen, voorbereiden, actiepunten uitvoeren, interne informatievoorziening coördineren, etc.
• bevorder je, samen met de afdelingsvoorzitters, overleg en sociale cohesie binnen en tussen de afdelingen

Je rapporteert hiërarchisch aan de Directeur Bedrijfsvoering en verdeelt je aandacht over de vier afdelingsvoorzitters. Je werkt binnen de Dienst Bedrijfsvoering samen met andere diensten, waaronder Finance & Control en HRM.

Postdoc position in Singular Learning Theory for Machine Learning Models

Join us
We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the mission of unlocking the "geometry of artificial intelligence'' in the group of dr. Patrick Forré. If you want to join the mission of unlocking the “geometry of artificial intelligence” then please apply!

What you will do
Singular Learning Theory (SLT) is a mathematical framework for analysing statistical models that do not follow the classically made regularity assumptions (which would lead to asymptotic normality, etc.). Such singular models include many models from statistical physics as well as almost all modern (“overparameterized”) machine learning models, like probabilistic graphical models, deep neural networks, diffusion models, transformers, e.g. large language models, etc. SLT is based on the geometrical understanding of the parameter space in relation to the statistical model. One of the main goals of SLT is to quantify the complexity of such models w.r.t. the data generating process (and some prior probability distribution). SLT and the estimation of such quantities has recently led to many applications, ranging from model selection and uncertainty quantification, over detecting phase transitions in machine learning models during training, the finding of interpretable substructures to the explainability of general learning behaviour of such machine learning models, etc.

In this project, we want to build upon the recent developments in the field and either push the boundaries of SLT on the mathematical foundational theory side, extend SLT to new learning frameworks (e.g. variational inference or reinforcement learning, etc.) and/or apply it to modern machine learning models like large language models or diffusion models, etc.

You are expected to:

• take an active role in the research project either in the development of the mathematical theory of SLT and/or through novel applications of SLT in the machine learning domain.
• publish and present your findings in academic peer-reviewed journals, international workshops and/or conferences.
• support the teaching activities at the faculty (up to 10% of the time).

What we ask of you

• A PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics or a closely related field. (In case, you have finished a PhD thesis, and you are just awaiting your PhD defence, please also apply.)
• Enthusiasm for the scientific process: formulating and investigating hypotheses, either mathematically or by conducting experiments, disseminating findings via writing and oral presentations, etc.
• Experience in publishing academic papers in peer-reviewed journals and/or conferences.
• Professional command of English, both written and spoken.
• Ability both to work independently as well as to cooperate and work effectively within a (possibly interdisciplinary) team of researchers.
• Experience in programming and software development. Familiarity with Python and statistical computing libraries, like PyTorch or JAX, etc., would be preferred.
• You are a motivational teacher, with an encouraging teaching style.

What we offer you
We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 18 months. The preferred starting date is as soon as possible and to be discussed.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between €3546 and €5538 (scale 10). This does not yet include the 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance, which will come on top. The UFO profile Researcher/Onderzoeker 4 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.

You will work here
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 Korteweg-de Vries Instituut voor Wiskunde (KdVI) is the mathematical research institute of the Faculty of Science of the Universiteit van Amsterdam. The KdV Institute offers a stimulating scientific environment in which research focuses mainly within the research programmes (1) Algebra, Geometry and Mathematical Physics, (2) Pure, Applied and Numerical Analysis, and (3) Stochastics and (4) Discrete Mathematics and Quantum Information. It also provides the lecturers and instructors for the mathematics teaching within the Science Faculty. The KdV Institute participates in the NWO research clusters GQT, STAR, NDNS+ and DIAMANT and in the Gravity programme NETWORKS. There is formal (and informal) cooperation with the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI), the VU University, and with Eurandom in Eindhoven. KdVI counts about 40 staff members and 50 postdocs and PhD students.

This position will also be affiliated with the AI4Science Lab, which originated out of the Amsterdam Machine Learning Lab (AMLab) at the Informatics Institute (IvI) and which is a cross-institute collaboration at the Faculty of Science aimed at bridging the gap between modern machine learning developments and their applications to the different areas of science.

Support Officer International Office

• Je verstrekt informatie aan inkomende en uitgaande studenten en zorgt er voor dat alle vragen (e-mail, telefoon en aan de balie) bij de juiste persoon terecht komen.
• Je verzorgt de organisatorische en administratieve ondersteuning rondom het aanmelden, toelaten en inschrijven van inkomende en uitgaande studenten.
• Je draagt bij aan de organisatie van de introductie bijeenkomsten, pre-departure meetings en de voorlichtingsbijeenkomsten met betrekking tot studeren in het buitenland.
• Je bent verantwoordelijk voor het bijhouden van de website en andere vormen van communicatie met studenten.
• Je denk kritisch mee over het samenvoegen en harmoniseren van de processen van de twee faculteiten.

PhD Position in Explainable AI for High-Stake Decision Making

AI is increasingly used in domains where decisions carry profound consequences for human lives. By focusing on transparency and explainability, this PhD project gives you the opportunity to shape how humans and AI interact in high-stakes contexts. You will help define how AI can support—not replace—human judgment, ensuring that technology empowers rather than undermines trust and autonomy.

You will be part of the DECIDE project: a large-scale, NWO-funded research initiative under the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA). It brings together 10 Dutch universities, over 50 academic researchers, and 30 societal partners to co-develop a new generation of transparent, citizen-empowering AI systems. The project spans domains such as healthcare, mobility, education, law, ethics, and public governance.

This position is a collaboration between Utrecht University and the University of Twente. You will also have the opportunity for a secondment at “The Hyve”, a company enabling Open Science. You will be based in Utrecht, working in the AI Technology for Life group. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with researchers at the Utrecht UMC on oncology, radiology and/or psychiatry use cases, involving studies and settings where high-stake decisions are made.

As a PhD candidate, you will be part of a vibrant inter- and transdisciplinary research community, collaborating across disciplines and with societal stakeholders to achieve real-world impact. You will also participate in joint training programmes on interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research methods, citizen engagement, and ethical AI.

In this project, you will:

1. Review existing Explainable and Transparent AI frameworks and methodology.
2. Develop a framework that takes the needs of all stakeholders into account when high-stake decisions are made. Four different scenarios are used throughout the consortium, to help you develop this.
3. Implement and test such a framework, in a clinical setting.
4. Help teach explainable AI to bachelor’s students and master's students and/or decision makers. For example, by developing workshops and training materials.

Postdoc Researcher for Monitoring in-Situ Root Growth in Urban Settings

Job description

The ambition of this project is to create a 'digital twin' of the ecosystem services of the urban soil/subsoil in Amsterdam required for optimal tree growth. Ecosystem services include: storing water in the unsaturated zone; draining water via groundwater; sequestering carbon; filtering and breaking down contaminants in groundwater; providing a growth environment for soil and plant roots; providing carrying capacity for infrastructure; providing biological activity for biological soil improvement.

The digital twin aims to be a tool that provides insight into where tree roots grow and what impact these roots have on the local environment. The presence of active tree roots influences water flow, water content and nutrient transport. In addition, as tree roots grow, they apply stresses on infrastructure such as roads, foundations and sewers. This often leads to damages requiring expensive repair measures and often the tree is then removed. The aim of this project is to understand how tree roots grow in the urban context and use these insights to predict how they will damage infrastructure, but also to develop approaches to prevent damage. In the project we aim to develop a numerical model to predict root growth.

Your task as a Postdoc researcher is to develop a measurement and monitoring strategy at a number of sites in Amsterdam to quantify tree root growth from in-situ measurements. This should provide the team with data which can be used as site- specific boundary conditions for running model scenarios, and data which can be used to test the developed models. Measurements will include, for example, water content, and pressure head with local in-situ sensors. In addition we aim to carry out spatially distributed measurements with for example shallow-depth geo-radar.

You will be based at the department of Geoscience & Engineering (GSE) within the faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences in Delft. There will be a close working relationship with the AMS-institute in Amsterdam. Field sites will be provided by the city of Amsterdam.

GSE has an excellent laboratory and field measurement capacity with very experienced support staff for high level geotechnical and geophysical measurement setups.

At TU Delft, we offer a supportive and inclusive working environment that values international collaboration, innovation, and work-life balance. If you’re enthusiastic about combining science, innovation, and societal impact, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in shaping a more sustainable future!

Job requirements
You are an engineer looking to use your analytical and technical skills and innate curiosity to create an impact for a more sustainable urban environment. You also thrive in a complex trans-disciplinary team with many stakeholders.

In addition you have:

• An MSc and PhD in Geosciences, Environmental Science or Engineering, with a focus on Soil Physics, Geotechnical Engineering, or Geophysics;
• You have strong experimental skills and experience with field experiments;
• You have experience with soil physical measurement and monitoring techniques;
• You have experience with shallow depth geophysical measurement techniques;
• You can manage automated high frequency measurements and the resulting data streams;
• You have knowledge of plant physiology;
• You have a driving license valid in the Netherlands; 

As the position requires you to work independently on site in Amsterdam, Dutch proficiency is important as well.    

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences
The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.