PhD in Adaptive and AI-based Reliability Techniques for Complex IoT-based Systems

The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) has led us into the era of smart interconnected heterogeneous devices, advancing fields such as smart cities, healthcare etc. However, this growth has introduced complex challenges in maintaining reliability and resilience across diverse IoT systems. These systems, characterized by their heterogeneous components and dynamic environments, need advanced solutions to address reliability threats that impact their resilience, performance, and longevity.

The theme of this research is to ensure efficient and reliable services for IoT systems composed of unreliable heterogeneous components operated by battery. The focus is on developing novel techniques across hardware and software layers to ensure reliable and efficient design of heterogenous and distributed IoT platforms. This includes leveraging adaptive AI for cross-layer reliability modeling and optimization and exploiting machine learning to create self-aware solutions for the above problems. By utilizing predictive modeling, machine learning, and adaptive optimization techniques, this research seeks to provide a holistic approach that ensures sustained performance and reliability over time, addressing the inherent unpredictability and variability in IoT environments.

The University of Amsterdam is seeking a strong MSc graduate interested in novel techniques for reliability analysis, modeling, and optimization of complex IoT-based systems.

What are you going to do?

• Conduct high-quality research in the field of Adaptive AI/ML-Based Reliability Modeling and Optimization for Complex IoT Systems, resulting in top quality academic publications in peer-reviewed international conferences and/or journals.
• Contribute to our open-source teaching material in Bachelor and Master courses (in English).
• Supervise Bachelor and Master students.
• Meet regularly with your academic supervisor to discuss and analyse the technical details of your ongoing research.
• Possibility to perform research-oriented internships in the industry.

Your profile

• Completed or soon-to-be completed excellent MSc degree in the field of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering (with a good mathematical background), or related discipline.
• Ability to conduct research in the field of Internet of Things, and related topics: Dependable/Fault-Tolerant Computing Systems, Energy efficient design, Embedded systems, Machine learning/Deep learning, self-optimizing, self-adaptive, self-organizing systems, prediction and optimization.
• Keen on learning about reliability threats and analysis in modern computing systems, alongside traditional and cutting-edge mitigation techniques, and regularly discussing them with an academic supervisor.
• Should possess a very good knowledge about Statistics and Probability.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Fluency in oral and written English, good presentation skills.

Any educational or research experience in the advertised topics, as well as proficiency in programming with Matlab, C/C++, VHDL/Verilog, Python, and deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, is regarded as an advantage and a plus point.

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 as soon as possible. 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). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Promovendus (PhD student) is applicable. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands 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 here.

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 43,000 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 Faculty of Science 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 Informatics Institute (IvI) is to conduct both 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.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• Semeen Rehman, s.rehman@uva.nl;
• T: +49 15201336604
• Website: https://pcs-research.nl/authors/semeen/

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 15 October 2024.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a list of publications (if any) included in your CV;
• a letter of motivation;
• your academic transcripts (photos or scans of your past courses and grades)
• the names and email addresses of at least two references who can provide letters of recommendation

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered. The interviews may be held over multiple rounds, at any time between October 20th and the end of November 2024.

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 HR Department directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.

No agencies please.