Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) has vacancies in the Machine Learning research group for two enthusiastic talented

Postdocs (m/v/x)
within Peter Grünwald’s ERC Advanced Grant Project FLEX (FLEXible Statistical Inference).

Job description
Most statistical methods require that all aspects of data collection and inference are determined in advance, independently of the data. These include when to stop collecting data, what decisions can be made (i.e. accept/reject null hypothesis), and how to measure their quality (e.g. loss function/significance level). This is wildly at odds with the flexibility required in practice! It is a leading cause of the replicability crisis in the applied sciences.

The project aims to develop novel theory and methods of statistics in which all data-collection and decision-aspects may be unknown in advance, possibly imposed post-hoc. Yet the new theory will provide valid small-sample error control and uncertainty quantification. The theory will be based on far-reaching extensions of e-values, e-processes, and the e-posterior, flexible alternatives for p-values and Bayes factors that have been developed over the last five years. Other key topics include anytime-valid confidence sequences, concentration inequalities, martingales and the foundations of statistics (likelihood principle, complete class theorems).

The vacancies are for two three-year postdocs to do research within the FLEX project.

Candidates are required to have completed their PhD in mathematics or computer science, with a strong background in mathematical statistics and/or information theory. It is highly desirable that they have previously worked on at least one of the aforementioned key topics.

Needed qualifications for candidates include proven research talent, strong theoretical background, and good academic writing and presentation skills. Candidates are expected to have an excellent command of English.

Diversity code
CWI encourages a diverse workforce: we endeavour to develop talent and creativity by bringing people from different backgrounds and cultures together. We recruit and select based on capabilities and talent. We strongly encourage everyone with the appropriate qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical abilities.

The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres ("CAO-onderzoeksinstellingen"). The gross monthly salary for an employee on a full time basis, depending on relevant work experience, ranges from € 4.374 to € 5.331.

The appointment will be for a period of three years.

Employees are also entitled to a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.33%. CWI offers attractive working conditions, including flexible scheduling.

Please visit our websites for more information about our terms of employment:
https://www.cwi.nl/jobs/terms-of-employment and
https://www.nwo-i.nl/en/working-at-nwo-i/jobsatnwoi/

Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica

Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) is the Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science and is part of the Institutes Organisation of the Dutch Research Council (NWO). The mission of CWI is to conduct pioneering research in mathematics and computer science, generating new knowledge in these fields and conveying it to trade, industry, and society at large.

CWI is an internationally oriented institute, with 160 scientists from approximately 27 countries, an informal atmosphere and short lines of communication. We have an activity committee that organizes after-work activities and an informal women’s network.

CWI is located at Science Park Amsterdam, the home of AMS-IX, that is presently developing into a major location of research in the physical sciences in The Netherlands, housing the sciences of the University of Amsterdam as well as several other national research institutes next to CWI.

To find more information about the CWI Machine Learning group, please visit the group page.

All applications should include a detailed resume, motivation letter, and contact details of (at least) three references.

The deadline for the first application round is November 1st 2024. To apply, use the application button at the end of the job text. Applications will be considered in rounds until the positions are filled.

For more information about the vacancy, please contact Prof.dr. Peter Grünwald, email pdg@cwi.nl. For more information about CWI, please visit www.cwi.nl or watch our video about working at CWI.