Postdoc in Reinforcement Learning for Stochastic Optimization

The Department of Mathematics of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam welcomes applications for a two-year Postdoctoral position in Reinforcement Learning for Stochastic Optimization. The candidate is expected to conduct high-quality research at the intersection of reinforcement learning and stochastic optimization. The objective is to contribute to the development of novel methodologies that advance both theoretical understanding and practical application. The postdoc will actively explore how reinforcement learning techniques can be applied across a range of complex operational domains, such as energy systems, health care, and scheduling and planning. A strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and the ability to connect with ongoing departmental research efforts are essential. Preference will be given to candidates who can connect to existing research strengths in the department. We are an inclusive, interdisciplinary group, and diversity and internationalism are at the heart of our research principles, as well as our teaching practice.

The preferred starting date is 01.09.2026

Applications from all groups currently under-represented in academic posts are especially encouraged. We particularly welcome applications from women and people with an ethnic minority background.

Your duties

• conducting research in the area of Reinforcement Learning (85%)
• contributing to the teaching portfolio of the Department of Mathematics (15%)
• conducting high-quality research at the intersection of reinforcement learning and stochastic optimization
• developing novel methodologies that advance both theoretical insights and practical applications
• collaborating across disciplines and contribute to ongoing research activities within the department
• applying reinforcement learning techniques to a variety of operational domains, including energy systems, health care, and telecommunication systems

OPLEIDINGSCOÖRDINATOR / STUDIEADVISEUR - SCIENCE, BUSINESS & INNOVATION

Als opleidingscoördinator en studieadviseur heb je een centrale rol in de bachelor- en masteropleiding Science, Business & Innovation (SBI). Samen met je collega’s zorg je voor een goede organisatie van de onderwijsprogramma’s en je bent hèt aanspreekpunt voor onze betrokken studenten die zich specialiseren in onderwerpen die het verschil maken: verduurzaming, energietransitie en innovaties in levensstijl en gezondheidszorg.

• als opleidingscoördinator ben je de schakel tussen de docenten, het opleidingsmanagement en het onderwijsbureau en je adviseert de examencommissie en de opleidingscommissie. Je werkt in een enthousiast en divers team van gedreven docenten en onderzoekers
• als studieadviseur houd je goed contact met onze studenten en je geeft voorlichting over hun studietraject en -keuzes. Je bent ook betrokken bij de werving van nieuwe studenten en je kunt hen met enthousiasme vertellen over de opleiding. Je doet dat vanuit een team dat dit enthousiasme met je deelt

De opleidingen SBI trekken jaarlijks samen zo’n 100 nieuwe studenten en combineren natuurwetenschappen, innovatiewetenschappen en bedrijfskunde. SBI is onderdeel van de Faculteit der Bètawetenschappen en werkt nauw samen met de School of Business & Economics en de Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen. Belangrijk onderdeel van de studieprogramma’s vormen de projecten en stages waarin studenten praktijkervaring opdoen met het proces van onderzoek doen en impact maken met science-based innovaties.

Jouw taken

• je werkt samen met de opleidingsdirecteuren, stagecoördinator, onderwijsbureau en docenten aan de continuïteit en de kwaliteit van het SBI onderwijs
• je coördineert de dagelijkse voortgang van de SBI-programma’s en -activiteiten, bent daarvoor aanspreekpunt voor studenten en docenten en je beheert gegevens over vakken- en andere onderwijsgerelateerde informatie
• je bent alert op verbetermogelijkheden in de opleidingen en overlegt daarover met de opleidingsdirecteuren
• je adviseert en begeleidt studenten over het studieprogramma en hun studievoortgang. Zo nodig stuur je hen door naar deskundigen en bemiddel je
• je geeft advies over de werving en selectie van nieuwe studenten en studieadvisering in overleg met de staf en andere adviseurs
• je geeft voorlichting aan nieuwe en huidige studenten over het programma, de invulling van de vrije keuzeruimte, de minorkeuze en de mastermogelijkheden

Assistant Professor Learning and Reasoning (Career Track)

Do you want to contribute to the field of Artificial Intelligence by combining the paradigms of data-driven learning and knowledge-driven reasoning, and to study, develop, and apply such methods? The Learning and Reasoning group treats these terms broadly, combining learning and reasoning methods beyond purely neural and purely symbolic approaches (neuro-symbolic systems). We span the spectrum from theoretical to applied AI, with application areas focusing on human-centric AI in critical domains, in particular medicine, content safety, and scientific innovation. We work with Large Language Models, graph-based machine learning, knowledge graphs, formal reasoners and many other methods.

Are you keen to work in close collaboration with colleagues in our Learning and Reasoning group and with other Artificial Intelligence groups at the VU? Then, please apply for this Assistant Professor (career track) position at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU).
We welcome candidates who fit this broad profile of combining learning and reasoning. We expect candidates to explain how their profile fits within this broad theme. At the same time, the candidates are encouraged to define a specific focus within this broad area and to reflect on their positioning within the broader group focus.

Your duties
The position includes research, education, and management (40%, 40%, 20%) and contains, among others, the following responsibilities:

• conducting research in the broader theme of learning and reasoning
• supervising PhD students
• contributing to and writing research grant proposals
• teaching in the Artificial Intelligence Bachelor's and master's programmes of the Department of Computer Science
• supervising MSc/BSc student research projects in the AI programs
• contributing to organizational and management tasks

Postdoc Position in Human Neuroscience: Neurons and Circuits of Human Cognition

Project description

While we know that human cognition is unparalleled, we lack a mechanistic understanding of the specific neurons and circuits that support it. This PhD project, funded by European Research Consolidator grant focuses on the function of the specialized neuron types in the human cortex that are vulnerable in Alzheimer disease - layer 3 Pyramidal Neurons and Double Bouquet Cells (DBCs). Our previous work shows that human layer 3 Pyramidal Neurons have distinct physiological and morphological properties that distinguish them from other species and link to cognitive scores. These neurons might play a role of a hub in cognitive networks integrating information from thousands of synaptic inputs. To keep this excitation in balance it must be matched by inhibition. Another human specialized interneuron type – Double Bouquet cell – might provide this inhibitory balance. These neuron types are likely to be critical for human cognition as they are selectively lost in cognitive disorders. In this project you will investigate how these neurons function and form circuits in the human brain, and how their activity translates to more efficient computation.

Team
You will be part of our diverse and dynamic team Neurons of Human Cognition (PI dr. Natalia Goriounova) at the department of Integrative Neurophysiology at the Center for Neurogenetics and Cognitive Research at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (https://cncr.nl/research-team/neurons_of_human_cognition/) . You will gain rare expertise in live human brain tissue research, using samples obtained from neurosurgery and will apply cutting edge molecular and electrophysiological techniques.

As a member of our team, you will:

• use single- and multi-cell patch-clamp recordings to map circuit dynamics
• apply viral tools to label neuron types in organotypic slice cultures
• use bioinformatic tools to explore already existing datasets
• develop computational models to understand how circuit function translates to better neuronal and network computation
• collaborate closely with the team and external academic partners
• contribute to teaching activities (~10% of your time)
• contributing to project meetings, reporting, and scientific discussions
• co-supervise MSc and PhD students
• publish your research in high-quality peer-reviewed and present to the international research community

PhD Position in Human Neuroscience: Neurons and Circuits of Human Cognition

While we know that human cognition is unparalleled, we lack a mechanistic understanding of the specific neurons and circuits that support it. This PhD project, funded by European Research Consolidator grant focuses on the function of the specialized neuron types in the human cortex that are vulnerable in Alzheimer disease - layer 3 Pyramidal Neurons and Double Bouquet Cells (DBCs). Our previous work shows that human layer 3 Pyramidal Neurons have distinct physiological and morphological properties that distinguish them from other species and link to cognitive scores. These neurons might play a role of a hub in cognitive networks integrating information from thousands of synaptic inputs. To keep this excitation in balance it must be matched by inhibition. Another human specialized interneuron type – Double Bouquet cell – might provide this inhibitory balance. These neuron types are likely to be critical for human cognition as they are selectively lost in cognitive disorders. In this project you will investigate how these neurons function and form circuits in the human brain, and how their activity translates to more efficient computation.

Team
You will be part of our diverse and dynamic team Neurons of Human Cognition at the department of Integrative Neurophysiology at the Center for Neurogenetics and Cognitive Research at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (https://cncr.nl/research-team/neurons_of_human_cognition/) . You will gain rare expertise in live human brain tissue research, using samples obtained from neurosurgery and will apply cutting edge molecular and electrophysiological techniques.

As a member of our team, you will:

• use single- and multi-cell patch-clamp recordings to map circuit dynamics
• apply viral tools to label neuron types in organotypic slice cultures
• use bioinformatic tools to explore already existing datasets
• develop computational models to understand how circuit function translates to better neuronal and network computation
• contribute to teaching activities (~10% of your time), including supervision of BSc and/or MSc students during internships
• publish your research and present to the international research community