University of Twente hiring PhD position on statistical theory for deep learning based image classification in Enschede, Overijssel, Netherlands | LinkedIn (2024)

Job DescriptionFrom recognising faces to diagnosing diseases, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) excel in image recognition. However, their lack of theoretical understanding poses the risk of unexpected behaviour. How do CNNs detect and classify objects? To address this, we must first step back and ask: What is the appropriate model for analysing image classification? What are the properties of CNNs? How do they learn?

This PhD project seeks to shed light on these questions by applying statistical theory. You will investigate the theoretical properties of various network architectures, assess how network depth influences performance and delve into the learning processes of CNNs. Applications to medical image data will connect the derived theory with practical applications.

The UT and the faculty EEMCS are inclusive toward underrepresented groups and strive to increase the proportion of female staff. Female applicants are particularly welcome.

Your profile

• You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher
• You have, or you will shortly acquire, a Master's degree in Mathematics, Statistics or Theoretical Computer Science (or a related field).
• You preferably have experience in mathematics of deep learning or more generally machine learning theory
• You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.
• You have a good team spirit and like to work in an internationally oriented environment.
• You are fluent in English.

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 € 2.872,- (first year) to € 3.670,- (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? Applicants are welcomed to submit their application before 07th of September, 2024 via the ‘Apply now’ button. Please include in your application

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4) emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for this position.
• A full Curriculum Vitae. Your CV should demonstrate the scope of your work and education and indicate a good fit with the stated requirements for the position. If applicable, also include a list of publications and references.
• An academic transcript of B.Sc. and M.Sc. education, including grades.
• A copy of your Master's thesis or, if it is not yet available, an outline and summary of your thesis
• 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).

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Sophie Langer via s.langer@utwente.nl for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For questions about what a PhD at the University of Twente might look like, you can contact one of our Postdocs/PhD students listed under “Your colleagues”.

About The DepartmentThe position will be in the Applied Mathematics department. The Applied Mathematics department has an active research portfolio in stochastic operations research, algorithmic discrete mathematics, complex networks, statistics, systems theory, computational science, and artificial intelligence with applications in health care, energy systems, traffic, and imaging. See MOR and SACS, and MDS for information.

The research focus of our Statistics group is on the development of statistical methodology for new data applications and the theoretical analysis of machine learning methods in particular deep learning. See https://www.utwente.nl/en/eemcs/stat/ for more details and a list of our group members.

About The OrganisationThe 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.