We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled AI model developer to join our interdisciplinary research team. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing state-of-the-art AI algorithms that can reliably determine current COPD health status and predict future changes in disease deterioration. Your research task will be to propose and validate diagnostic AI algorithms that predict the onset of disease deterioration based on voice and skin sensor technologies. Additionally, you will address data technology requirements to facilitate sharing and analysis of data from different sources, aligning with the FAIR principles.

The position is embedded in the Institute of Data Science – a research unit within the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences, Maastricht University. The candidate will contribute to the NWO funded DACIL project, together with an interdisciplinary team involving Dr Visara Urovi, Institute of Data Science, Prof Andre Dekker, Clinical Data Science, Maastricht UMC+ and Dr Sami Simons, Faculty of Health and Medicine, FHML.

Key Responsibilities:.

• Develop and Build AI Algorithms: The candidate will develop AI algorithms using a variety of data sources, including standard patient and clinical data, as well as data from speech analysis and sensor devices. These algorithms will be based on supervised machine learning techniques tailored to the characteristics of the data sources.
• Utilize Machine Learning Models: Implement machine learning models such as gradient tree boosting, random forests, and support vector machines for structured patient and clinical data. For speech analysis, employ deep learning models, such as Long-Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Causal Modeling: Conduct causal modeling, specifically causal Bayesian Networks, to create explainable and transparent AI algorithms to support intervention decisions for preventing future disease deterioration.
• Literature Review: Conduct in-depth literature review to understand the existing state-of-the art on AI models for COPD.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and experts to ensure the success of the project and develop AI solutions that can make a meaningful impact on healthcare.

• M.Sc. degree (completed, or to be completed shortly) in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or equivalent. Candidates with a strong academic background and industry experience will also be considered.
• Proven programming skills (esp. Python).
• Demonstrated (e.g., through publications, code, projects, etc.) interest and experience with data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling techniques; Experience with causal modeling and Bayesian analysis is a plus.
• Proficiency in English (oral and written).
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research-oriented environment.

Additionally, we would like it if you have:

• Experience in in developing AI algorithms, particularly in healthcare or medical applications;
• Familiarity with medical data.

What we offer

As PhD candidate at Faculty of Science & Engineering, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded UFO profile PhD candidate, with corresponding salary from € 2,770 gross per month in the first year and € 3.539 gross per month in the fourth year (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1.0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow.
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'.

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University

Why work at Maastricht University?

At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

At the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), we focus on themes such as circularity and sustainability, future farming, digitisation and (scientific) instrument development. FSE's leading projects, like the Einstein Telescope Pathfinder, are sure to grab anyone's attention. The faculty is a vibrant hub of education and research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). At FSE, over 450 staff members and 3700 students gather to explore e exciting interdisciplinary research and educational programmes. Feel welcome, be part of our team and put your brilliant mind to work!

FSE at the Brightlands Campuses
Maastricht, Sittard-Geleen, Heerlen, and Venlo, the home of four creative Brightlands campuses, are bustling with 30,000 entrepreneurs, researchers, and students working diligently to solve global challenges. The Faculty of Science and Engineering is active on all four Brightlands campuses, and this is where our impact reaches its peak. To give you an idea of what is happening at each campus: Sittard-Geleen is home to the largest chemical site in the Euregion, while Venlo is a large hub for agri-food innovation. Maastricht is the site of the Health Campus, and Heerlen is the place to be for Smart Services.

Department of Advanced Computing Sciences
The Department of Advanced Computing Sciences is Maastricht University’s largest and oldest department broadly covering the fields of artificial intelligence, data science, computer science, mathematics and robotics.
Over 100 researchers work and study in the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences, whose roots trace back to 1987. The department’s staff teaches more than 1,200 bachelor’s and master’s students in 4 specialized study programmes in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science.