Postdoc on Causal Machine Learning for Spatio-temporal Datasets

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science ( LIACS) is looking for an excellent Post-doc researcher (1.0 FTE) with a background in Computer Science (or a closely related field) to join a project focused on developing an advanced machine learning framework for spatio-temporal datasets. The position is for 2.5 years and is partially funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) through the Aspasia premium awarded to dr. Mitra Baratchi for her research on machine learning for spatio-temporal data. The successful applicant will be embedded in the Spatio-temporal Data Analysis and Reasoning ( STAR ) and the Automated Design of Algorithms ( ADA ) research groups. Moreover, there are plenty of opportunities for interaction and collaboration with other groups at the institute and internationally.

The research is broadly focused on automated intervention design. An intervention is any external interference in an ongoing process that is performed to achieve a particular outcome. Being able to answer interventional questions automatically will help decision-makers solve complex challenges (i.e., reducing methane emissions or reducing the infection rate during a pandemic). Most machine learning algorithms designed for spatio-temporal data do not allow assessing the impact of interventions without capturing causal links. In this project, we aim to design algorithmic solutions grounded in causality for the automatic and scalable assessment of interventions using observational spatio-temporal datasets generated by modern sensing technologies (e.g., IoT sensors, mobile devices, Earth observations).

What you will do
Within this position, it is expected that you will:

• conduct research within the scope of the project leading to peer-reviewed publications in journals and conference proceedings;
• collaborate closely with Dr. Elena Raponi (the Natural Computing Group) and dr. Saber Salehkaleybar (the Explanatory Data Analysis Group) at LIACS;
• contribute to the teaching activities of the STAR Research Group and supervision of BSc and MSc students.

Where you will work
Curiosity and passion for science are what connect our people: we seek to know, understand, interpret, and create. Our mission is to provide excellent education and research across the full spectrum of the natural sciences, contributing to solutions for major societal challenges. Our eight institutes—ranging from mathematics, computer science, astronomy, physics, chemistry, and biopharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences—together with the Lorentz Center and the Hortus botanicus, form the backbone of our faculty and are closely connected. We work in a safe, stimulating, and international environment where enthusiasm and passion drive both research and education, and where building connections and collaboration, both within and beyond the faculty, come naturally.

The faculty is home to more than 2,700 staff members and over 6,000 students enrolled in nine bachelor's and fifteen master's programs. We are located at the heart of the Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s largest science parks, where academia and industry come together.

You will be part of the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS). LIACS offers the bachelor's programs in Computer Science and Data Science/Artificial Intelligence, as well as master's programs in Computer Science, ICT in Business and the Public Sector, Media Technology, and Science Based Business. According to an independent research assessment, LIACS is one of the leading computer science departments in the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a supportive institute where academic achievement, enjoyment, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and welcoming career path for young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. For more information about LIACS, visit our website.

What you bring
We are looking for a candidate with expertise or experience with one or more of the following topics: machine learning for spatio-temporal data, causal machine learning (casual discovery and causal inference), and automated machine learning.

• holding (or close to acquiring) a PhD degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence or a closely related field;
• strong research vision and an academic mindset;
• strong publication record;
• being able to collaborate with scientific peers inside and outside your own research area;
• strong programming skills in Python or other programming languages;
• excellent proficiency and communication skills in English.

What we offer

• A full-time 2,5 year position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by another 1,5 year. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• A salary between € 3.546,= and € 5.538,= gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours, Payscale 10);
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop.

What we value
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We strive to be an open community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to fully develop themselves. We consider an inclusive academic environment, where students and staff can share their experiences and viewpoints, to be essential for the development of talent.

Want to apply or find out more?
Enquiries can be made to dr. Mitra Baratchi: Het emailadres op academictransfer.com bekijken. If you have any questions about the procedure, you can sent an email to: Het emailadres op academictransfer.com bekijken.

You can submit your application online via the blue button in the vacancy. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• A short cover letter detailing your motivation to apply for the position,
• A brief description of your research plan describing a research idea and research questions that you would want to work on in light of this particular position (maximum two A4 pages),
• An academic CV,
• Ph.D. thesis,
• Link to key publications,
• The names and addresses of two people who can be contacted for reference (who have agreed to be contacted).

Only applications received before 30 September 2026 can be considered.