PhD scholarships in Data Science and Systems Complexity

We offer 9 full scholarships for PhD projects within our research theme Data Science and Systems Complexity (DSSC).

The mission of the DSSC (established in 2015 at the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen) is to understand and design complex systems and processes through massive data. DSSC brings together more than 70 researchers from disciplines with an immediate interest in the handling of Big Data and Complexity (astronomy, physics, mathematics, statistics, computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, bioinformatics) who address three broad research directions: Adaptive Models and Big Data; Complex Systems and Engineering; Advanced Instrumentation and Big Data.

The DSSC approaches Adaptive models and Big Data by connecting data and complexity science: our research hinges on the combination of statistics and computer science in statistical machine learning, on the preoccupation with explanatory models in statistics and on complex systems modelling as research focus. In Complex Systems and Engineering the DSSC experts do not only want to understand complex systems, but also get a grip on them to control and manage such systems. In Advanced Instrumentation and Big Data, the DSSC focuses on handling extremely faint signals, high precision and stability, cryogenic temperatures, high data volumes and high data transmission speeds for the design of complex instruments.

We are looking for talented students who wish to design their own PhD research project on a topic within the scope of the research theme Data Science and Systems Complexity. Please find the list of topics and associated supervisors here: https://www.rug.nl/research/fse/themes/supervisors/dssc-research-topics.docx

As a PhD scholarship student, you will develop your own research project in consultation with the associated supervisor(s). You will conduct independent and original scientific research, report results via peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and ultimately a PhD thesis. The PhD thesis has to be completed within four years. Being part of a cutting-edge research programme, you will receive training in the form of hands-on instruction, advanced courses, summer/winter schools, as well as complementary workshops on generic research and transferable skills. Special attention is paid to training activities directed towards your future (academic or non-academic) career after the PhD trajectory, in the context of our Career Perspective Series.

Qualifications

We are looking for highly motivated, proactive and diligent researchers with good communication skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team. Demonstrable command of the English language is a prerequisite. Successful candidates have completed a Master’s degree (or equivalent) that is relevant to the topic of interest.

Organisation

The University of Groningen is a comprehensive research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen, City of Talent. Quality has been our top priority for over four hundred years, and with success: the University is currently in or around the top 100 on several influential ranking lists.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) is the largest faculty within the University. We offer first-rate education and research in a wide range of science and engineering areas, including astronomy, mathematics and physics. Our community has an open and informal character with students and staff from around the world.

Conditions

The position is offered within the UG PhD Scholarship Programme. This programme is issued by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW) within the framework of the national PhD Scholarship Programme. PhD scholarship students receive a scholarship (stipend) of € 2,181 per month (gross) from the University of Groningen for a period of four years. PhD scholarship students are not employed by the university. PhD scholarship students have therefore different rights, obligations, and a different income than employed PhD candidates. Please read the terms and conditions of the PhD Scholarship Programme on the following website: https://www.rug.nl/education/phd-programmes/phd-scholarship-programme/conditions-application/

Application Process

The selection procedure will proceed in three stages:
1. Application (before April 1)
2. Development of a full research proposal (April 1 – April 29)
3. Assessment by selection committee (April 29 – June 1)

To apply, please follow the details of the application process at https://www.rug.nl/education/phd-programmes/phd-scholarship-programme/phd-scholarships?details=00347-02S0007L9P