TU Delft has an opening for a postdoctoral research fellow at the intersection of social simulation and high-performance algorithms.  The goal of project is to develop methods to speed large-scale agent-based modelling (ABMs), for example by means of effective parallelization using High Performance Computing (HPC).  The use of machine learning for efficient ABM simulations will enable uncertainty and global sensitivity analysis of large ensembles of ABM runs.  The postdoc will use the HPC cluster newly established at TU Delft in 2021.

The successful candidate will work closely with faculty members at the TU Delft faculties of Technology, Policy and Management, and Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.  Working with Prof Tatiana Filatova, Dr Jan Kwakkel and Dr Neil Yorke-Smith, the candidate will study how theory-informed meta-modelling and learned surrogate models can accelerate agent-based models.

This two-year position as a part of the EU project TAILOR (Foundations of Trustworthy AI, Integrating Reasoning, Learning and Optimization, tailor-network.eu) in conjunction with the TU Delft Institute for Computational Science and Engineering (DCSE, tudelft.nl/cse).  The TAILOR network is funded by the European Union to build the capacity of the scientific foundations for trustworthy AI in Europe, by developing a network of research excellence centres leveraging and combining learning, optimization and reasoning.  The successful candidate will have access to the TAILOR network, including travel and mobility funds.

DCSE is a TU Delft Institute with faculty members from six faculties, comprising some 40 research groups and more than 300 faculty members.  Among its computational facilities, TU Delft possesses a new 2 petaflop supercomputer, in addition to access to Dutch national computing resources.

The position is offered for a fixed term of two years starting no later than 1 April 2022.    

The ideal candidate is expected to:

• Have a PhD degree in Computer Science or other computational subject; or in social science with strong computational experience;
• Have a background in agent-based modelling, artificial intelligence or high-performance computing;
• Possess working knowledge of Python and demonstrated programming experience;
• Conduct international-level research, with a track record of prior publication in top international venues;
• Have full professional working fluency in English;
• Experience with machine learning toolkits is desired;
• Previous experience with HPC is an advantage.    

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three disciplines - electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make future-proof. We are also working on a world in which humans and computers reinforce each other. We are mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. There is plenty of room here for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1,100 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.