PhD Position Causal Representations for Open-Ended Embodied Social Intelligence

Job description
Are you passionate about developing intelligent agents that can continuously evolve through social interactions? Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge research on generative causal models that enable adaptive collaboration in dynamic environments?

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join our research team working on causal representations for open-ended, embodied social intelligence. This project aims to develop a groundbreaking generative framework that enables agents to continuously evolve through social interactions in unconstrained, multiparty environments.

Current AI systems struggle to gain new knowledge in dynamic environments and to reason about human behavior in unconstrained settings. We believe that embodied agents collaborating with humans require not only representations of the physical world but also rich causal models of their interaction partners. Your research will focus on identifying the causal factors that guide human behaviors and environmental changes, allowing agents to continually adapt through open-ended learning.

You will be embedded within the larger Pattern Recognition and Bioinformatics Group at TU Delft, comprising sub-groups in Computer Vision, Pattern Recognition, and Human-Oriented Machine Intelligence. You will be advised by Dr. Chirag Raman (Tapri Lab, TU Delft), Dr. Jan-Willem van de Meent (AMLab, UvA), and Dr. Frans Oliehoek (Sequential Decision Making Group, TU Delft).

This project is part of a larger research effort within the Hybrid Intelligence Center, where you will have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers across multiple universities and disciplines. The project specifically connects to the Robotic Surgery case study, involving close collaboration with Dr. Dalibor Vasilic at ErasmusMC.

Job requirements
We are looking for a candidate with:

• An MSc degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, or a related field
• Strong background in machine learning, particularly in generative latent variable modeling and/or (multi-agent) reinforcement learning.
• Solid programming skills in Python, experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, Jax).
• Comfort with 3D mathematics and spatial reasoning concepts.
• Good engineering skills for implementing and evaluating algorithms in real-world settings; familiarity with simulation environments (e.g. Isaac Sim) is a plus.
• Experience with robotics platforms is a plus but not required.
• Experience with conducting user studies is beneficial but can be developed during the PhD.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (C1 or equivalent).
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.

We aim to create hybrid intelligence for everyone, see also our Diversity Statement. To do this, we need an inclusive and diverse team of researchers. We especially encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply for this job.

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 Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

PhD Position Causal Representations for Open-Ended Embodied Social Intelligence

Job description
Are you passionate about developing intelligent agents that can continuously evolve through social interactions? Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge research on generative causal models that enable adaptive collaboration in dynamic environments?

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join our research team working on causal representations for open-ended, embodied social intelligence. This project aims to develop a groundbreaking generative framework that enables agents to continuously evolve through social interactions in unconstrained, multiparty environments.

Current AI systems struggle to gain new knowledge in dynamic environments and to reason about human behavior in unconstrained settings. We believe that embodied agents collaborating with humans require not only representations of the physical world but also rich causal models of their interaction partners. Your research will focus on identifying the causal factors that guide human behaviors and environmental changes, allowing agents to continually adapt through open-ended learning.

You will be embedded within the larger Pattern Recognition and Bioinformatics Group at TU Delft, comprising sub-groups in Computer Vision, Pattern Recognition, and Human-Oriented Machine Intelligence. You will be advised by Dr. Chirag Raman (Tapri Lab, TU Delft), Dr. Jan-Willem van de Meent (AMLab, UvA), and Dr. Frans Oliehoek (Sequential Decision Making Group, TU Delft).

This project is part of a larger research effort within the Hybrid Intelligence Center, where you will have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers across multiple universities and disciplines. The project specifically connects to the Robotic Surgery case study, involving close collaboration with Dr. Dalibor Vasilic at ErasmusMC.

Job requirements
We are looking for a candidate with:

• An MSc degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, or a related field
• Strong background in machine learning, particularly in generative latent variable modeling and/or (multi-agent) reinforcement learning.
• Solid programming skills in Python, experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, Jax).
• Comfort with 3D mathematics and spatial reasoning concepts.
• Good engineering skills for implementing and evaluating algorithms in real-world settings; familiarity with simulation environments (e.g. Isaac Sim) is a plus.
• Experience with robotics platforms is a plus but not required.
• Experience with conducting user studies is beneficial but can be developed during the PhD.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (C1 or equivalent).
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.

We aim to create hybrid intelligence for everyone, see also our Diversity Statement. To do this, we need an inclusive and diverse team of researchers. We especially encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply for this job.

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 Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

PostDoc in the Field of Future Wind Farms Control

Job description
Wind energy is crucial for realizing climate neutrality, energy independence, and energy security. Optimal operation of wind energy systems is challenging because of their inherent complexity, fast-changing operating conditions, as well as conflicting requirements for the cost of investment and energy generation. Novel optimization-based controllers have the potential to tackle these challenges. In particular, the controllers leverage the properties of feedback to take into account recent data instead of relying on mathematical models of the system, making them a good candidate for future wind farm control. At the same time, long-term performance of these controllers remains an open question.

The main objective of this postdoc is to investigate the potential of new wind farm flow control technologies for new wind farms (including storage, forecasting, energy markets). The task of this Postdoc is to co-develop the integrated design framework and assess the integrated potential for novel wind farms with a special focus on the energy market.

Job requirements
The successful candidate has the following qualifications:

• A Ph.D. degree in systems and control, mechatronics, applied mathematics, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Fundamental knowledge in the field of optimization and control.
• The capacity to communicate effectively with peers, students and stakeholders in the application field.
• Good programming skills are a plus: MATLAB, Python, Julia, Git.
• Fluency in English.
• An open personality and good communication skills in written and spoken English.

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 Mechanical Engineering
From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

PostDoc in the Field of Future Wind Farms Control

Job description
Wind energy is crucial for realizing climate neutrality, energy independence, and energy security. Optimal operation of wind energy systems is challenging because of their inherent complexity, fast-changing operating conditions, as well as conflicting requirements for the cost of investment and energy generation. Novel optimization-based controllers have the potential to tackle these challenges. In particular, the controllers leverage the properties of feedback to take into account recent data instead of relying on mathematical models of the system, making them a good candidate for future wind farm control. At the same time, long-term performance of these controllers remains an open question.

The main objective of this postdoc is to investigate the potential of new wind farm flow control technologies for new wind farms (including storage, forecasting, energy markets). The task of this Postdoc is to co-develop the integrated design framework and assess the integrated potential for novel wind farms with a special focus on the energy market.

Job requirements
The successful candidate has the following qualifications:

• A Ph.D. degree in systems and control, mechatronics, applied mathematics, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Fundamental knowledge in the field of optimization and control.
• The capacity to communicate effectively with peers, students and stakeholders in the application field.
• Good programming skills are a plus: MATLAB, Python, Julia, Git.
• Fluency in English.
• An open personality and good communication skills in written and spoken English.

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 Mechanical Engineering
From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Junior Docenten

Functieomschrijving
De faculteit Mechanical Engineering van de TU Delft zoekt kandidaten voor een pool van junior docenten die, begeleid door een senior docent, bijdragen aan het onderwijs aan de faculteit en parallel daaraan een onderwijsbevoegdheid halen voor docent Wis- of Natuurkunde aan het VWO of MBO/HBO. Op dit moment zijn we opzoek naar meerdere nieuwe collega’s.

In dit driejarig programma besteed je circa 50% van je tijd aan het verkrijgen van een onderwijsbevoegdheid Natuurkunde of Wiskunde. Stages in het voortgezet onderwijs en/of hoger beroepsonderwijs maken daar deel van uit. De overige tijd draai je mee in het facultaire onderwijs en kun je de kunst afkijken bij de vele ervaren docenten om je heen. Je gaat werkgroepen van de eerstejaars vakken zoals Statica, Sterkteleer, Dynamica en Thermofluids begeleiden, of projectgroepen in de hogere jaren. Je ontwikkelt opdrachten en stuurt student-assistenten aan die aan de eerste- en tweedejaars werkgroepen zijn verbonden. Ook ondersteun je het masteronderwijs dat binnen een van de verschillende afdelingen wordt verzorgd.

Een dag in het leven van een Junior docent:

’s Ochtends vertrek ik eerst naar mijn stageschool. Vandaag staan er 2 lessen op het programma: bij 5VWO behandel ik stoffen en materialen, bij 2HAVO gaan we practicum doen. Tussen de lessen door heb ik wat uren tijd: eerst verwerk ik daarin de feedback die ik kreeg van mijn vakcoach. Daarna heb ik een videocall met de docent van het mastervak van de TU Delft-opleiding waar ik bij ga helpen. Samen maken we de vacaturetekst voor studentassistenten voor het mastervak definitief zodat we komende weken kunnen gaan werven. Na mijn les in 2HAVO vertrek ik terug naar de TU Delft voor een aantal projectbegeleidingssessies met de eerstejaars werktuigbouwkunde. Als laatste overleg ik met mijn werkgroep voor het vak Onderwijskunde van mijn lerarenopleiding: volgende week moet ons verslag ingeleverd zijn, dus we zetten komende week de puntjes op de i. Daarna is het tijd voor een drankje in het Lagerhuys met de andere juniordocenten!

Functie-eisen
Iets voor jou? Wil je je verder scholen tot docent in het VWO of MBO/HBO? Heb je recentelijk je Master diploma behaald aan een universiteit of studeer je binnenkort af in een van de volgende richtingen: werktuigbouwkunde, maritieme techniek, civiele techniek, luchtvaart- en ruimtevaarttechniek, technische natuurkunde of een vergelijkbare (technische) studie? Het is een pré als je ervaring hebt als student assistent. Ons bacheloronderwijs en de lerarenopleiding zijn Nederlandstalig; daarom is een goede beheersing van het Nederlands een vereiste. Je gaat aan de slag met groepen studenten dus goede communicatieve vaardigheden en social skills zijn belangrijk.

TU Delft
De Technische Universiteit Delft heeft een sterk fundament. Als bouwer van de wereldberoemde Nederlandse waterwerken en pionier in biotech is TU Delft een internationale topuniversiteit die wetenschap, engineering en design combineert. TU Delft staat voor onderwijs, onderzoek en innovatie van wereldklasse om uitdagingen op het gebied van energie, klimaat, mobiliteit, gezondheid en digitale maatschappij aan te gaan. Generaties Delftse ingenieurs hebben bewezen ondernemende probleemoplossers te zijn in bedrijfsleven en in sociale context.

Bij TU Delft omarmen we diversiteit als een van onze kernwaarden en zetten we ons actief in om een universiteit te zijn waar jij je thuis voelt en kunt floreren. We hechten veel waarde aan verschillende perspectieven en kwaliteiten, omdat wij geloven dat dit ons werk innovatiever, de TU Delft-gemeenschap levendiger en de wereld rechtvaardiger maakt. Samen bedenken en ontwikkelen we oplossingen die een positieve invloed hebben op wereldwijde schaal. Daarom nodigen we jou uit om te solliciteren. Je sollicitatie krijgt een eerlijke behandeling.

Faculteit Mechanical Engineering
Van chip tot schip. Van machine tot mens. Van idee naar oplossing. Vanuit de wil om de omgeving te begrijpen en te achterhalen welke mechanismen daaraan ten grondslag liggen, richten onderzoek en onderwijs zich op fundamenteel begrip, ontwerp, productie, toepassing en verbetering van producten, materialen, processen en (mechanische) systemen.

De faculteit ME is een dynamische en innovatieve faculteit met een internationale scope en high-tech lab-faciliteiten. Omdat we zo groot en veelzijdig zijn, kunnen we unieke dwarsverbanden leggen en vakgebieden combineren. Dit vindt zijn weerslag in uitstekend en modern onderwijs dat studenten opleidt tot maatschappelijk betrokken en verantwoordelijke ingenieurs en onderzoekers. De kennis en inzichten die we opdoen, vertalen we in oplossingen voor maatschappelijke vraagstukken, bijdragen aan een duurzame samenleving en aan de ontwikkeling van welvaart en welzijn. Dat is wat ons verbindt in grensverleggend onderzoek, inspirerend onderwijs en (inter)nationale samenwerking.

Klik hier om naar de website van faculteit Mechanical Engineering te gaan.