PhD position Reinforcement Learning Theory

Reinforcement learning has led to major breakthroughs, from beating champions in complex games to enabling autonomous navigation. However, the limited understanding of how reinforcement learning algorithms work restricts their application to problems requiring robust and predictable solutions. Are you driven by a fundamental understanding of reinforcement learning methods and developing new algorithms? Then we are excited to get in touch with you!

Job Description

We are looking for a motivated candidate to work on the topics of theoretical machine learning, specifically in the domain of sequential decision-making, which includes bandit problems and theoretical reinforcement learning. The primary objective of this project is to analyze and design learning algorithms and provide formal guarantees regarding their performance. To achieve this, you will use your skills in advanced mathematical and statistical techniques. The project is situated in the context of efficient online learning, with a focus on scaling with model complexity and function approximation.

You will be welcomed into our Sequential Decision-Making group, where we focus on various aspects of reinforcement learning. During your PhD, you will have the opportunity to tackle challenging problems related to developing advanced function approximation methods and robust reinforcement learning techniques. You will delve deeply into the rapidly evolving field of reinforcement learning theory, while also exploring relevant areas of mathematics.

Requirements

• Hold a master's degree in mathematics, computer science, physics, or a related discipline.
• Good mathematical background, including knowledge of statistics and optimization. Background in machine learning is a plus.
• Demonstrate eagerness to tackle complex mathematical challenges.
• Have proficiency in both 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 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.

Conditions of employment 
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. 

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.  

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Julia Olkhovskaya, email: I.M.Olkhovskaia@tudelft.nl.

Please inform me if you have submitted an application to the ELLIS PhD program. I will also be reviewing applications from this program as a potential advisor.

About the environment: TU Delft consistently ranks very high among institutions of higher education globally and has a very large and active academic community of approximately 30,000 people from all corners of the world. As a city, Delft is one of the most charming cities in the Netherlands, with close connections to Rotterdam and The Hague and is within 1.5 hours' reach of Amsterdam.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than December 8, 2024 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Ms. I.M. Olkhovskaia.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure.
  (for details page 45: national knowledge security guidelines).
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.