The department of Computer Science is looking for a motivated postdoc researcher to carry out research on user-centric data science for smart building knowledge graphs.

To support the global energy transition, smart energy and building management using Internet of Things (IoT) provides opportunities to increase efficiency and comfort. To facilitate interoperability between heterogeneous IoT devices, ongoing research at the VU User-Centric Data Science group investigates the combination of knowledge graphs and machine learning for smart buildings.

In the context of the EU-funded HEDGE-IoT project, this position offers an opportunity to work on data interoperability using knowledge graphs as well as user-facing services (such as data dashboards) and explainable machine learning for smart buildings. We participate in the project mostly in the context of the Dutch pilot, where we will collaborate closely with the other Dutch partners: TNO and Arnhems Buiten. At the latter site, an innovative business park is being realized that has its own power grid architecture, allowing for exchange of data and energy, opening the possibility for various AI-driven services for end-users.

This position offers an opportunity to investigate in a real-world setting 1) solutions for modeling, linking and enriching IoT data models (based on the SAREF data standard) and 2) interoperable user-centric services including querying environments, data visualization and explainable Machine Learning for IoT knowledge graphs.

If you are interested in hybrid solutions for smart buildings, IoT knowledge graphs and developing user-centric services, then we are looking for you!

Your duties
In the project, you will collaborate with VU researchers and the Dutch partners, but also within the larger context of the EU HEDGE-IoT project. Your research responsibilities will include building on existing ontologies for IoT Knowledge Graphs to develop new interoperability solutions suitable for the pilot context. You will also, using user-centric design, develop specific services that are suitable for this context and its users. These include Explainable Machine Learning, data visualization and query environments.

Your day-to-day duties will be to:

• Write scientific publications and attend international conferences and workshops to present your work.
• Participate in the European HEDGE-IoT project, specifically in the context of the Dutch pilot, by contributing to shared project deliverables.
• Assist in some educational activities within the computer science department.

• You hold or will soon hold a PhD degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Information Sciences or similar field.
• You have proven experience in IoT, data science or applied Machine Learning.
• An interest in applied science for smart buildings and IoT.
• You have good proficiency in English in speaking and writing.
• You have good communication skills, take initiative, and have a strong interest in working in a multidisciplinary team.

Intended starting date of the position: 1 June 2024

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• A salary of minimum € 3.226,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.090,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• A position for at least 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. depending on a positive evaluation and suitability extension of the contract is possible. The total duration of the project is 36 months.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Solid pension scheme (ABP).
• Possibility to save holiday hours, for sabbatical leave.
• Contribution to commuting expenses.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely. - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 5,500 staff work at the VU and over 30,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of the VU. The VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.