[Ieee_vis_open_positions] Three PhD positions on Visual Analytics - Eindhoven University of Technology

[Wijk, J.J. van]

Dear sir/madam,

I would be delighted if you could broadcast the advertisement below via the IEEE_vis_open_positions listserver.

Best regards,

Jarke van Wijk

Subject: Three PhD positions on Visual Analytics - Eindhoven University of Technology

Three PhD positions on Transparent Data Science

Eindhoven University of Technology
Jheronimus Academy of Data Science

If you want to do visual analytics research on a crucial topic in data
science, apply before May 31, 2018 for one of our open positions.

In the context of a joint research project between Eindhoven University
of Technology (TU/e) and the Jheronimus Academy of Data Science (JADS), we
offer three 4-year fully funded PhD-student positions: on predictive
analytics, visualization, and human-technology interaction. The overall
aim of the project is to empower people to better understand and evaluate
the results of predictive analytics.

Job description

Predictive analytics is increasingly used in industry, business, finance,
government, healthcare, and education, using methods from machine learning,
data mining and statistics. The use of predictive analytics can lead to
improved and efficient decision making but the models that are generated
are often highly complex. This makes it hard to understand, trust, and judge
the results of such models for humans.

The project “Transparent Explanations for Predictive Analytics using
Interactive Visualization”, funded by an NWO-TOP grant, attacks this
challenge. We put the human central, and strongly believe that close
collaboration between experts on visual analytics, cognitive psychology,
machine learning, and human machine interaction is needed to make major
steps forward. We aim at building a team of three PhD students with
complementary expertise and interests, supervised by staff members from
our data mining, visualization, and human-technology interaction groups.
Specifically, we have the following positions available:

(A) PhD student Predictive Analytics A complex model cannot be  understood
    by just looking at all structures and parameters involved. Typical
    questions are what features were used and how important these were,
    in general as well as in specific cases. Complex models can be
    transformed into quantitatively or qualitatively simpler models.
    A key challenge is to do this effectively and efficiently, such that
    the simplified model is still relevant. Quantification of the scope and
    limitations are important to guide the human viewer. This PhD student
    will be supervised by prof.dr. Mykola Pechenizkiy and
    prof.dr. Maurits Kaptein.

(B) PhD Interactive Visualization Visualization will be used to present
    explanations: the reasoning used, uncertainty involved, relevance of
    variables, similar cases, etc. One challenge is that the audience of
    model users is varied, ranging from data experts via domain experts to
    lay users, each with different requirements and interests. Ultimately,
    we aim to enable them to navigate smoothly through complex models,
    guided by their interests, showing the big picture, as well as detail
    when needed. This PhD student will be supervised by prof.dr. Jack van Wijk
    and dr. Michel Westenberg.

(C) PhD Human Model Interaction All novel solutions have to be carefully
    evaluated, for effectiveness, efficiency, and usability. This is
    notoriously hard in visual analytics, and requires a deeper understanding
    of fuzzy concepts such as understandability, trust, and acceptance.
    We aim at the development of models and benchmarks for this, as well as
    thorough evaluation in real-world cases. This PhD student will be supervised
    by prof.dr. Wijnand IJsselsteijn, prof.dr. Chris Snijders, and
    dr. Martijn Willemsen.

The PhD students will be appointed at the Department of Mathematics and
Computer Science (PhD A and B) and the Department of Industrial Engineering &
Innovation Sciences (PhD C) of TU/e. The project is the result of cooperation
within the Jheronimus Academy of Data Science (JADS): a unique collaboration
of two renowned universities, TU/e and Tilburg University, bringing together
their top academics to further the emerging and multidisciplinary academic
field of data science. The project team will work together at our new JADS
Mariënburg campus in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, which is fully dedicated to data science.

Job requirements

We are looking for candidates that meet the following requirements:

* a solid background in computer science, data science, or related area,
  with specialization in: (PhD A) predictive analytics; (PhD B) interactive
  visualization; (PhD C): cognitive psychology / human-computer interaction;
  demonstrated by a relevant Master’s degree and project. For PhD C a
  cognitive science related major, supplemented with data science knowledge
  is likewise feasible;
* strong communication skills in English, both in speaking and in writing;
* capability and willingness to work both independently and in a team;
  highly motivated, enthusiastic, and proactive;
* strong interest in human centered research;
* programming skills and the willingness to develop research prototypes.

Conditions of employment

We offer:
* a challenging job in a dynamic and ambitious university and a stimulating
  research environment;
* a full time temporary appointment for a period of 4 years, with an
  intermediate evaluation after 9 months;
* a gross salary of €2.222 per month in the first year increasing up to €2.840
  in the fourth year;
* healthy travel funding for presenting your work at the leading conferences
  and for research visits;
* support for your personal development and career planning including courses,
  summer schools, conference visits etc.;
* extensive package of fringe benefits (e.g. support in moving expenses
  and commuting expenses, excellent technical infrastructure, and excellent
  sports facilities, extra holiday allowance (8%, May), and end-of-year
  bonus (8.3%, December)).

Information and application

More information can be obtained from:

About the project and positions: prof.dr.ir. Jack van Wijk,
e-mail: j.j.v.wijk at tue.nl<mailto:j.j.v.wijk at tue.nl>;

About the employment conditions: Marjolein von Reth, HR advisor,
e-mail: pzwin at tue.nl<mailto:pzwin at tue.nl>

The application should consist of the following parts:

* cover letter explaining your motivation and qualifications for the position;
* clear indication which PhD position (A, B, or C) is aimed at;
* detailed Curriculum Vitae (including a list of publications with download
  links and software developed with links to repositories);
* list of courses taken at the Bachelor and Master level including grades;
* an electronic copy of your MSc thesis. If you have not completed your
  thesis yet, please explain your current situation;
* names and email addresses of at least two contacts who can be approached
  with a reference letter request.

Applications can be submitted via:

https://jobs.tue.nl/en/vacancy/three-phd-positions-transparent-data-science-338634.html

or (shorter): https://tinyurl.com/V32-3323

A maximum of 5 documents of max 2 MB each can be uploaded.

The selection process will start in June 2018 and will continue until the
positions are filled. Candidates are recommended to react before May 31.
The positions are available immediately. The starting date is somewhat
flexible, however, an ideal candidate would be available no later than
September 2018.


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