Solliciteer direct

PhD position in Statistics
The Mathematical Institute of the Faculty of Science, Leiden University, is looking for a PhD candidate in Mathematical Machine Learning.

Job description
The Mathematical Institute of Leiden University invites applicants for a PhD position working with dr. Dirk van der Hoeven.

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate on machine learning, specifically statistical learning and online learning. One of the fundamental research questions in statistical learning is to identify the best possible action one can take. While an unlimited source of information would always allow for identifying the optimal action, most real-world scenarios start with little or no prior information. The question then becomes: how do I avoid making decisions based on limited information that I will come to regret? We will combine techniques from statistical learning and online learning to address this problem.

A key feature of the statistical learning setting is its ability to provide strong guarantees about how well algorithms can predict based on some given dataset. However, these guarantees come with the drawback of relying on restrictive assumptions about how the data is generated. In contrast, a notable feature of online learning is its capacity to offer strong guarantees without such restrictive assumptions, though this requires constant feedback on predictions. The goal of this PhD position is to exploit the strengths of both approaches by developing algorithms that provide strong guarantees without restrictive assumptions with as little feedback as possible.

The execution of the research will be highly participatory. You will spend time at the Faculty of Science offices. Most of the time will be spent interacting with other members of the statistics group in the Mathematical Institute. However, collaboration with other groups in the Mathematical Institute and beyond is highly encouraged.

For a good idea of the research your supervisor has done, see Dirk van der Hoeven.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct original and novel research in the field of statistical learning and online learning;
• Publish and present scientific articles at international journals and conferences;
• Active communication with other PhD candidates and members of the statistics group;
• On-site presence (90% of working time) to facilitate spontaneous interactions with your su-pervisor and colleagues and foster a vibrant and engaged community within the office space;

Selection Criteria
The successful applicant should be a motivated university graduate who has an excellent education and/or research track. The applicant is expected to have:

• MSc degree in Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, Data science, Computer science, or relat-ed field;
• A strong mathematical background as proven by coursework or degree;
• Good programming skills in e.g., Python and R;
• Experience in Machine Learning;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, Dutch proficiency or willingness to learn is a plus;

Leiden University

Research at our faculty
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic inter-national environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to contribute to addressing the major societal chal-lenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sci-ences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,500 staff and almost 6,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

For more information, seeFaculty of Scienceand Working at Leiden University.

Mathematical Institute
The Mathematical Institute (MI) is one of the eight institutes within the Faculty of Science and has a strong international orientation. Its mission is to push the frontiers of scientific knowledge by developing and applying high quality mathematics, while offering a wide range of mathematical training in a friendly and intellectually stimulating environment. We believe that mathematics is an essential part of human knowledge, and we take pride in our role as keepers of this rich field of science. We are dedicated to push the boundaries of mathematical knowledge and to contribute our experience towards solving problems in other sciences, society, and industry. In addition, we promote mathematical literacy in society at large through a multitude of outreach activities. The Mathematical Institute has four research themes: Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory; Analysis and Dynamical Systems; Probability Theory; and Statistics and Data Science. There are many collaborations between the themes. More information about the Mathematical Institute can be found here.

Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time appointment of initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research, teaching evaluations, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended for another three years.

The gross salary ranges from € 2.901 per month in the first year to € 3.707 gross per month in the fourth year based on a full-time position (pay scale P).
Additional funding is available to support travel to conferences and workshops abroad.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package including pension build-up, paid parental leave and additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%). Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see our website: Working at Leiden University, Application process and working conditions

All our PhD candidates are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science.

Additional information

Starting date:
September 2025

Diversity and inclusion:
Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research.

Language:
It is not expected that you speak any Dutch when you arrive, and it is not necessary for life at work or outside of it. Dutch courses are offered by the MI and can provide a nice way to foster a closer connection with the Netherlands.

Information:
For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact dr. Dirk van der Hoeven (d.van.der.hoeven@math.leidenuniv.nl).

Application:
To apply for this vacancy, please send:

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Transcript of bachelor and master’s grades
• If available master’s thesis (can be an early version)

The application deadline is 29 April 2025.

Solliciteer direct