PhD Position on Cooperation through Reputation in Multi-agent Reinforcement Learning

Job title:

PhD Position on Cooperation through Reputation in Multi-agent Reinforcement Learning

Company:

University of Amsterdam

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTIONHave you always wanted to design artificial agents that learn how to cooperate with each other? Are you passionate about developing AI systems where prosociality prevails? Do you enjoy working in an international and interdisciplinary research setting, at the interface of computer science, artificial intelligence, evolutionary biology, and game theory? If so, we have the right position for you! We are looking for an ambitious doctoral student to join the project “Reputation as a new route to cooperation in multi-agent reinforcement learning”, at the Informatics Institute of the University of Amsterdam.Altruistic cooperation requires that individuals incur a cost to provide a benefit to others. This has raised questions in many disciplines, from evolutionary biology to economics: Why did altruistic cooperation evolved through natural selection? How to explain and incentivise human cooperation in economic games? In Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in the sub-field of multi-agent systems, altruistic cooperation also poses unresolved questions: How to design a system where artificial agents autonomously learn to cooperate? Answering this question is fundamental to design socially intelligent AI and agents that can cooperate with others and humans. With this project we will explore the opportunities and challenges of considering reputation systems as a tool for cooperation in complex multi-agent reinforcement learning environments.This project will resort to mathematical and computational tools such as reinforcement learning, agent-based simulations, (evolutionary) game theory and stochastic processes analysis.We are looking for a profile combining a strong computational and mathematical background with curiosity, passion for scientific research and eagerness to comprehend cooperation dynamics in multiagent systems. Let us know how your experience and interests fit with this position. More info at .What are you going to do?
This project will be conducted at the Informatics Institute of the University of Amsterdam. the selected candidates will work at the (SIAS) group, in the new . The candidates are expected to:

• Conduct independent research in the area(s) of multi-agent systems simulation, multi-agent reinforcement learning and game theory;
• Develop new (optimized) computational models and systematically evaluate them locally and in high performance computing clusters;
• Read scientific literature and creatively suggest new research directions grounded in recent articles, in connection with cooperation, indirect reciprocity, reputation systems and multi-agent reinforcement learning;
• Present research results at international conferences and workshops and, in collaboration with the supervisors, write research articles to be published in academic journals and book chapters;
• Be an active member of our research community, participate in regular meetings and collaborate with other researchers at the Informatics Institute;
• Assist in teaching activities and/or supervising students;
• Complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years.

What do you have to offer?

• An MSc degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics/Physics, Complex Systems or related fields;
• A strong background/knowledge in computational modelling and reinforcement learning. Experience with evolutionary game theory and network science is a plus.
• Excellent programming skills preferably in Python, C++, or related languages. Experience with PyTorch is a plus.
• Strong communication, presentation and writing skills and an excellent command of English;
• Highly motivated, diligent, independent, and creative;
• Socially engaged, eager to work in a multidisciplinary environment.

Our offer
A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is (until) March 2024, to be discussed during the interview(s). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,872 to € 3,670 (scale P). UvA additionally offers an extensive package of secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. The UFO profile PhD Candidate is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The is applicable.Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park, we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• Multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• A complete educational program for PhD students;
• Multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• Multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• Partly paid parental leave;
• The possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• A pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• The possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• Help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look .About us
The (UvA) is the Netherlands’ largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 42,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.The (FNWI) has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.The mission of the (IvI) is to perform curiosity-driven and use-inspired fundamental research in Computer Science. The main research themes are Artificial Intelligence, Computational Science and Systems and Network Engineering. Our research involves complex information systems at large, with a focus on collaborative, data driven, computational and intelligent systems, all with a strong interactive component.The group is a research group that falls under the People, Society and Technology Theme of the Informatics Institute. How can AI systems boost common sense and collective wisdom? How can AI systems advance society in a fair and inclusive manner? How can AI systems be aligned with public values, goals, and behaviors, in a manner that respects social, cultural, economic, and political diversity between people and communities? The SIAS group addresses these questions through fundamental and applied research, focusing on socio-technical solutions for / with / by people & communities from all walks of life. The group has three key research lines: Pro-social AI, Responsible AI and Explainable AI. This Postdoc position will be embedded in the Pro-social AI research line, in the new .Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about the University of Amsterdam.Any questions?
Do you have any questions, or do you require additional information? Please contact , Assistant Professor:

• E:

Job application
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 02 October 2024. After the application we will invite shortlisted candidates to an interview and to prepare a presentation to our group.Applications should include the following information (all files apart from your CV should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• A motivation letter that motivates your choice for this position (max 1 page);
• A research statement on how to approach the project. Solid and creative ideas will be greatly appreciated (max 2 page);
• Curriculum vitae, including your list of publications if applicable;
• A link to your Master’s thesis. If not yet completed, a 1-page summary of goals and 1 figure summarizing the key results so far will suffice;
• A complete record of Bachelor and Master courses (including grades and explanation of grading system);
• The names and contact addresses of at least two academic references (please do not include any recommendation letters).

Please make sure to provide ALL requested documents mentioned above.
You can use the CV field to upload your resume as a separate pdf document. Use the Cover Letter field to upload the other requested documents, including the motivation letter, as one single pdf file.A knowledge security check may be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: ).Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered. Please don’t send any applications by email.We will invite potential candidates for interviews soon after the expiration of the vacancy.The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.If you encounter Error GBB451/ GBC451, please try using a VPN connection when outside of the European Union. Please reach out directly to our directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.No agencies please.

Expected salary

€2872 – 3670 per month

Location

Amsterdam, Noord-Holland

Job date

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 22:51:26 GMT

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