PhD candidate: Knowledge Graphs and Complex Conversations

The Intelligent Data Engineering Lab (INDE Lab) at the University of Amsterdam’s Informatics Institute is seeking a PhD candidate in the area of knowledge graph construction and conversational artificial intelligence for an interdisciplinary project. 

What are you going to do?

Are you interested in investigating AI systems that can understand and assist in complex conversations? Are you looking to develop your expertise in machine learning, NLP, knowledge graphs, and semantic technologies in an interdisciplinary setting?  

We are looking for PhD candidates to work on the extraction and analysis of knowledge graphs from long running complex conversations. The project is situated within the project 'Making the hidden visible: Co-designing for public values in standards-making and governance'. This interdisciplinary project looks at how we can integrate public values into standardization processes. A key part of this project is to create AI systems that are able to understand the complex long form conversations that are a focal point of standards. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading scholars in media studies and law. You can have both technical and societal impact.  

You will be joining the INtelligent Data Engineering Lab (INDE Lab). The lab's broad aim is to tackle problems relating to the preparation, management, integration and reuse of data using empirical insights into data science practice. The lab is situated within the larger Amsterdam data science and artificial intelligence ecosystem (e.g. amsterdamdatascience.nl, icai.ai) and values practice-informed and interdisciplinary research and outreach.  

We strongly encourage applications coming from a unique perspective. Tell us how your background fits with the aims of the lab. 

• You have a Master of science degree in computer science (or other relevant disciplines);
• you are fluent in English; 
• you have experience in machine learning, natural language processing, data management, and software programming (using Java, Python or other languages). 

Candidates who have a background in natural language processing, machine learning, data management and/or the semantic web are preferred. 

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week, for the duration of 18 months. After a satisfactory evaluation the contract will be extended for 30 months and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). You will get a customized Training and Supervision Plan, that will be evaluated every year.  

The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be  €2,325 to €2,972 (scale P) gross per month, based on full-time employment (38 hours a week). These amounts are exclusive 8 % holiday allowance and 8.3 % end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Then find out more about working at the Faculty of Science.

With over 5,000 employees, 30,000 students and a budget of more than 600 million euros, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is an intellectual hub within the Netherlands. Teaching and research at the UvA are conducted within seven faculties: Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Economics and Business, Law, Science, Medicine and Dentistry. Housed on four city campuses in or near the heart of Amsterdam, where disciplines come together and interact, the faculties have close links with thousands of researchers and hundreds of institutions at home and abroad.  

The UvA’s students and employees are independent thinkers, competent rebels who dare to question dogmas and aren’t satisfied with easy answers and standard solutions. To work at the UvA is to work in an independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterised by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society.

The mission of the Informatics Institute is to perform curiosity-driven and use-inspired fundamental research in Computer Science. The main research themes are Artificial Intelligence, Computational Science and Systems and Network Engineering. Our research involves complex information systems at large, with a focus on collaborative, data driven, computational and intelligent systems, all with a strong interactive component. 

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

The Informatics Institute strives for a better gender balance in its staff. We therefore strongly encourage women to apply for this position. 

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 20 maart 2020. You may apply online by using the link below.   

Please upload the following information in a single PDF file: 

• a cover letter, including a description of your research interests and an explanation for why you are applying for this position (at most two pages); 
• a detailed curriculum vitae (CV);
• a list of all Master-level modules you have taken, with an official transcript of grades; 
• a link to a writing sample available online, such as a Master’s thesis, a term paper, or a publication (in case of joint authorship, please clearly indicate your own contribution); 
• the names, affiliations, and email addresses of two or (at most) three people we can act as references for you. 

Please do not send letters of reference or proofs of your academic writing. 

Late or incomplete applications will be considered at the committee’s discretion.