The Learning Machines group at AMOLF is offering exciting PhD positions for motivated individuals interested in delving into the realm of physical learning systems.
As they venture to understand how materials can learn and adapt without traditional computation, they aim to bridge the gap between artificial and natural intelligence.
Successful candidates will embark on projects exploring the theoretical foundations of physical learning, with opportunities to work on diverse dynamical systems and study the interplay of structure, interactions, and function.
Join AMOLF in unraveling the mysteries of learning in physical and biological systems, and contribute to the development of novel learning machines capable of autonomously solving complex engineering problems.
SCHOLARSHIP AT A GLANCE:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Type | PhD |
| Location | Netherlands |
| Group | Learning Machines |
| Institution | AMOLF |
| Group Leader | Dr. Menachem Stern |
| Focus | Physical learning systems, neuromorphic computers, meta-materials |
| Position Type | PhD |
| Fields of Study | Physics, Biophysics, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Computer Science |
| Requirements | MSc degree, strong background in relevant fields, English proficiency |
| Preferred Skills | Coding (Python/Matlab), numerical methods, machine learning concepts |
| Salary | 2,781 Euros gross per month |
| Duration | Four years |
| Working Hours | Full-time (40 hours/week) |
| Benefits | Housing and visa assistance, transport cost compensation, furnishing expenses compensation |
| Application Requirements | Resume, Motivation Letter (max. 1 page) |
| Contact Information | Dr. Menachem Stern (m.stern@amolf.nl) |
| Application Evaluation | Rolling basis, position filled upon excellent match |
| Diversity Commitment | Inclusive and diverse work environment, NNV Diversity Award 2022 |
| Additional Info | Collaboration opportunities, professional development courses for PhD students |
Facts About AMOLF
- Birth Amidst Post-War Revival: AMOLF, originally called the FOM Laboratory for Mass Spectrography, was launched on September 15, 1949, to help the Netherlands regain its preeminent position in physics after World War II. The mission began with Jacob Kistemaker gathering nuclear physics knowledge from the legendary Niels Bohr in Copenhagen.
- Pioneers in Uranium Enrichment: By 1953, AMOLF’s researchers produced 10 milligrams of enriched uranium, a breakthrough that led to the declassification of isotope separation techniques in the United States, revolutionizing the production of scientific and medical radioisotopes.
- Innovators of Gas Centrifuge Technology: Kistemaker and Joop Los embarked on the groundbreaking project of uranium enrichment using gas centrifuges, laying the groundwork for Urenco, a company that later became a leader in this field.
- From Isotopes to Atomic and Molecular Physics: In 1966, the institute shifted its focus to fundamental research in atomic and molecular physics, adopting the name AMOLF and relocating to the now-renowned Amsterdam Science Park, then a pastoral landscape of community gardens and livestock.
- Surface Physics Trailblazers: In the 1980s, AMOLF gained international acclaim for its research in surface physics, mapping out atomic structures and investigating how atomic order differs on surfaces compared to the material’s interior. This era also marked the institute’s foray into solar cell materials.
- Quantum Leap into Biomolecular Systems and Nanophotonics: At the turn of the 21st century, AMOLF pivoted to focus on the physics of biomolecular systems and nanophotonics, positioning itself at the cutting edge of these rapidly evolving fields.
- Leading the Designer Matter Revolution: Recently, AMOLF has been pioneering the emerging field of Designer Matter, creating materials with extraordinary properties through innovative design and fabrication techniques.
- Advancing Photovoltaic Materials: The institute is also at the forefront of developing new photovoltaic materials, aiming to create cheaper and more efficient solar cells that could transform the renewable energy landscape.
- A Legacy of Innovation: AMOLF’s rich history of groundbreaking research and continuous reinvention is chronicled in the book “Impact: 60 years AMOLF,” capturing the institute’s journey and contributions to the scientific community.
Eligibility For 2024 PhD Scholarship In Physical Machines, AMOLF
We are seeking candidates with backgrounds in physics, biophysics, electrical/mechanical engineering, materials science, or computer science who possess a keen interest in learning in physical, biological, or computational systems.
Applicants must hold or be working towards an MSc degree, and proficiency in English is required.
Experience with coding (Python/Matlab) and numerical methods is advantageous, as is familiarity with concepts in machine learning. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Description For 2024 PhD Scholarship In Physical Machines, AMOLF
The Learning Machines group at AMOLF is dedicated to exploring the fundamental principles of learning in physical systems.
Successful candidates will engage in theoretical and computational modeling of physically and biologically inspired systems, as well as the development and characterization of physical methods for learning.
Projects may involve investigating how diverse dynamical systems learn and adapt in complex environments, or studying the interplay of structure, interactions, and function in physical learning systems.
Through collaborative research efforts, candidates will contribute to the development of novel learning machines capable of autonomously solving challenging engineering problems.
How to Apply For 2024 PhD Scholarship In Physical Machines, AMOLF
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit your resume and a motivation letter (max. 1 page) detailing why you wish to join the Learning Machines group.
Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, so we encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
Please ensure your application includes your motivation letter, as it is an essential component of our evaluation process.
Online screening may be part of the selection process.
For further inquiries, please contact Dr. Menachem Stern via email at m.stern@amolf.nl or by phone at +31 (0)20-754 7100.