PhD position on Mathematical Statistics and Machine Learning Theory

Current statistical methodology still reflects the use-context of its first development in the 1920s: methods assume that researchers make all important analysis choices before gathering the data. In modern data science age, however, data-driven paradigms have become dominant: many measurements are gathered simultaneously and it is often natural to pursue research questions that were not of obvious interest a priori. Looking at the data is scientifically sensible to do, but the problem is that current statistical methods cannot handle this behaviour well. What is needed for this, is the right mathematical framework, that gives the necessary error control guarantees without all the old restrictive assumptions. In this PhD project you will develop such mathematical foundations by bringing together exciting novel developments in mathematical statistics and machine learning theory, among which: closed testing, bandits, and the new theory of hypothesis testing with e-values, co-developed by your supervisor Dr. Rianne de Heide.

You will:

Perform daily PhD-level research

Publish results in journals and conference proceedings, and present these at (inter)national workshops and conferences.

Contribute to teaching activities related to your work.

Be a part of an excellent young research group, and benefit from frequent (virtual) interaction with other internationally renowned research groups working on e-values, such as at CWI (Amsterdam), LUMC (Leiden) and in the US.

We are an inclusive group and diversity is at the heart of our research principles. We care about a good working atmosphere and a good work-life balance. Applications from all groups currently under-represented in academic posts are especially encouraged. We particularly encourage women and people from minority groups to apply.

Your profile

You have, or will shortly acquire a master degree in (applied) mathematics or a related degree with a strong theoretical mathematical component. Enthusiasm for the topic of the project is more important than your choice of specialization in your master's.

You are proficient in English.

Scientific programming skills are a plus, e.g. in R, Python, C++, Julia, etc.

Our offer

As a PhD candidate at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment;

The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;

Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);

You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.770,- (first year) to € 3.539,- (fourth year);

There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;

The flexibility to work partially from home;

A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.

Free access to sports facilities on campus

A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);

You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;

We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before August 1 and include:

A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position.

A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications.

Contact information of two references who we may contact.

An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

The interviews are scheduled for 19 Augustus 2024. If you are not available on this day, please indicate so in your application letter.

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Dr. Rianne de Heide ([email protected]).

About the department

The research focus of the statistics group is on the development of statistical methodology for new data applications and the theoretical analysis of machine learning methods, in particular neural networks. A list of members of the statistics group can be found here. The statistics group is embedded within a larger data science initiative at the University of Twente's department of applied mathematics.

We stand for life sciences and technology, high tech and human touch, education and research that matter, new technology that leads change and innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programs. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented

About the organisation

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more? Heide, R. de (Rianne)

Guest Lecturer

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Rianne for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Contact

Phone:+31534898978

Email:[email protected]

How to apply Step 1

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Step 2

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.

Your Colleagues

Koolen, W.M. (Wouter)

Personal page

Langer, S. (Sophie)

Personal page

Schmidt-Hieber, A.J. (Johannes)

Personal page

Our mission Human Touch

At the UT it's all about people, in line with our university's High Tech Human Touch philosophy. In everything we do, the well-being and future of our students and staff are paramount. From research and teaching to personnel management, campus management and the use of new technologies.

Our mission We are a university of technology

Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

Our mission We help to strengthen society

We help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life.

Our mission We are sustainable

We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

Browse all jobs