The Department of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence (CSAI) at Tilburg University, in collaboration with Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (TSB), is looking for a: Junior Researcher in Artificial Intelligence or Statistical Methods for a project on adaptive cognitive testing using personalized diagnostics aimed at predicting mild Cognitive Impairment and/or early Alzheimer’s disease.
This project focuses on the application of AI and psychometric techniques to detect early cognitive impairment and distinguish ‘normal’ cognitive aging from early signs of dementia, using a new adaptive cognitive test. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the primary cause of dementia. Currently, over 270.000 people suffer from AD in the Netherlands alone and this number will double over the next decade (Alzheimer Stichting Fact Sheet, 2017).
Early-stage symptoms of AD, such as memory decline, are often mistaken for normal aging, creating a barrier for patients to seek care. Furthermore, when individuals do seek help, usually through their GP, current standardized screening tests are often too general.
Task
Candidates will perform scientific research at the intersection of AI and psychometrics:
- involved in creating statistical and graphs-structured data models that generate recognition performance predictions and feed into adaptive cognitive tests
- work with clinical partners to benchmark your model predictions against current clinical practice and evaluate predictive accuracy and stability over time
- present the results of the study in clear, unambiguous reports.
- play an active role in all activities of the research team and collaborate with team members.
- publish results in scientific journals.
- present results at (international) conferences.
Duration: A full-time employment for 2 years.
Salary
- The starting gross salary for a full-time appointment for a researcher is minimally € 2.790 and maximum of € 3.353 gross per month. Rating based on experience.
- Researchers from outside the Netherlands may qualify for a tax-free allowance equal to 30% of their taxable salary (the 30% tax regulation).
- A broad package of attractive fringe benefits including an annual holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%; travel compensation, optional system of additional terms of employment with among others an extensive bike plan.
- The collective labor agreement of the Dutch Universities applies.
Job Requirements
The Postdoctoral Researcher in Artificial Intelligence seeks a motivated candidate with:
- A a relevant area such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Psychological Methods, Cognitive (Neuro-)science, or a related discipline. Applicants with a (research) Master’s degree and proven applicable experience are also invited to apply
- Experience with some or all of the following: (adaptive) test design, psychometric modelling, network analysis, graph neural networks, collaborative filtering.
- Interest in and/or experience with health analytics.
- Strong programming skills in Python including Tensorflow/Keras or similar platforms for deep learning and familiarity with R. Experience in UX/UI design is a plus
- Excellent analytical skills and are highly rigorous in your analyses.
- Good technical understanding of advanced statistics and quantitative methods.
- Good communication skills and are able to work with people of different backgrounds.
- Fluent in English, both spoken and written.
Application Process
To apply for this position, applications should include
- a cover letter in English,
- a Curriculum Vitae (including two references), and
- a half-page statement about the candidate’s contribution to Artificial Intelligence or Health Analytics.
To apply for the Postdoctoral Researcher in Artificial Intelligence, click here.
Application Deadline: November 15, 2021.
For more information on Postdoctoral Researcher in Artificial Intelligence, visit the official site.
