Postdoc in reinforcement learning for stochastic optimization

• a PhD in mathematics, operations research or computer science 

• a strong background in Reinforcement Learning  

• demonstrated programming skills 

• strong independent research skills 

• ability to work independently and in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment 

• team spirit and good communication skills in English 

A rewarding position in a socially involved organization. On a full-time basis, the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €4,227 and a maximum of €5,331. The job profile is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for 0.8-1.0 FTE. 

The appointment will initially be for 2 years. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as: 

• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus 

• contribution to commuting expenses 

• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package 

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment 

• good paid parental leave scheme 

The VU Analytics and Optimization Group 
The Analytics & Optimization group at Vrije Universiteit has many national and international connections, and is internationally leading in the field of analytics and optimization. We form a very active and collaborative group and are fascinated by mathematics for business applications. We are specialized in stochastic processes such as queueing systems and their controlled counterpart, Markov decision processes. We also cover related fields such as simulation, machine learning and statistics, because you have to combine them in the analytical process. 

The Department of Mathematics 
The Department of Mathematics strives for excellence in research. The department balances pure mathematical research with mathematical research motivated by applications. Researchers in the department are on the one hand active at a fundamental and theoretical level, and, on the other hand, work on applications with links to business, the sciences, and societal issues. The department has a strong international research staff with expertise in dynamical systems, topology, geometry and algebra, as well as in stochastics (statistics, data analytics, probability). 

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.  

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.