PhD Research Fellow in Causality and Reinforcement Learning

PhD Research Fellow in Causality and Reinforcement Learning UiB - Knowledge that shapes society

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PhD position in Causality and Reinforcement Learning

There is a vacancy for a PhD Research Fellow in Causality and Reinforcement Learning at the Department of Informatics. The position is for a fixed-term period of 3 years with the possibility of a 4th year with compulsory other work (e.g. teaching duties at the Department). The position is financed by the University of Bergen.

About the project/work tasks

Causality is a fast-developing area of machine learning, holding the promise to improve artificial reasoning and intelligence. This is particularly true in the context of reinforcement learning, where causal reasoning and inference would allow agents to discriminate causes and correlations and learn more robust and effective policies to act in their environment. This project is interested in considering the scenario in which one or more learning agents have the possibility of relying on multiple causal models describing their environment. Research will explore the space of reinforcement learning, causality and abstraction and can follow multiple directions, ranging from more theoretical studies on how these models may be related and what guarantees they could provide, to more methodological research on the design of novel algorithms making effective use of these models.

Qualifications and personal qualities

Applicants must hold a master's degree or equivalent education in computer science, statistics or mathematics. Master students can apply provided they complete their final master exam before 31.12.2023. It is a condition of employment that the master's degree has been awarded.

Strong mathematical background is a requirement.

Strong programming skills are a requirement.

Experience with machine learning is an advantage.

Experience in reinforcement learning and/or causality is an advantage.

Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner and demonstrate good collaborative skills.

Applicants must be proficient in both written and oral English.

Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Ambitions and potential will also count when evaluating the candidates.

Special requirements for the position

The University of Bergen is subjected to the regulation for export control system. The regulation will be applied in the processing of the applications.

About the PhD position

The fellowship will be for a period of 3 years, with the possibility for a 4th year, consisting of 25 % compulsory work (e.g. teaching responsibilities at the department) distributed over the employment period. The 4th year is contingent on the qualifications of the candidate and the teaching needs of the department and will be decided by the head of department upon appointment. The employment period may be reduced if you have previously been employed in a qualifying post (e.g. research fellow, research assistant).

About the research training

As a PhD Research Fellow, you must participate in an approved educational programme for a PhD degree within a period of 3 years. The deadline for applying for admission to the PhD programme at The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences is 2 months after you start your position or after the start of the research project that will lead to the PhD degree. It is a condition that you satisfy the enrolment requirements for the PhD programme at the University of Bergen.

We can offer

Exciting development opportunities as part of your role in a strong professional environment

Salary as PhD research fellow (code 1017) in the state salary scale. This constitutes a gross annual salary of NOK 532 200 (equivalent to pay grade 54). Further increases in salary are made according to length of service in the position.

Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund

Good welfare benefits

Your application must include

An account of the applicant's research interests and motivation for applying for the position, relating explicitly to causality and reinforcement learning

The names and contact information for two referees. One of these should be the main advisor for the master's thesis or equivalent thesis

CV

Transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor's and master's degrees. If you have not yet completed your master's degree, please submit a statement from your institution confirming the expected date of award of your master's degree. Your master's degree must be documented with transcripts and/or diploma, alternatively a confirmation from your institution on completed degree and your grade, by 31.12.2023.

Relevant certificates/references, including a digital copy of the master's thesis if available.

Approved documentation of proficiency in English (if required, cf. English language requirements for PhD admission)

A list of any works of a scientific nature (publication list)

Any publications in your name

General information

Detailed information about the position can be obtained by contacting: Head of Department Inge Jonassen.

For HR related matters, please contact: Karoline Christiansen.

The state labour force shall reflect the diversity of Norwegian society to the greatest extent possible. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.

We encourage women/men to apply. If multiple applicants have approximately equivalent qualifications, the rules pertaining to moderate gender quotas shall apply.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.

Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.

The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at all times.

For further information about the recruitment process, click here.

Life as a PhD candidate at UiB

Marion Claireaux tells about life and work as a PhD candidate at UiB.

About UiB

The University of Bergen is a renowned educational and research institution, organised into seven faculties and approximately 54 institutes and academic centres. Campus is located in the centre of Bergen with university areas at Nygårdshøyden, Haukeland, Marineholmen, Møllendalsveien and Årstad.

There are seven departments and several centres at Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Read more about the faculty and departments.

Deadline

30th September 2023

Employer

University of Bergen

Municipality

Bergen

Scope

Fulltime (1 positions) Fulltime (%)

Duration

Fixed Term

Place of service

Institutt for informatikk, 5020 Bergen