Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Researcher to join our interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and epidemiology. The successful candidate will focus on the development and application of reinforcement learning (RL) techniques to inform pandemic mitigation strategies using advanced epidemic modeling frameworks, including individual-based (agent-based) models.
A central aspect of the research will be the development of real-time decision support systems that can assist public health authorities in adapting strategies dynamically as an outbreak evolves. This work is at the forefront of enabling responsive and adaptive pandemic policy informed by data and simulation.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement RL algorithms to optimize intervention strategies (e.g., vaccination, testing, mobility restrictions) in simulated and real-time epidemic scenarios.
- Integrate RL frameworks with epidemic models, including both compartmental, metapopulation, and individual-based simulations.
- Build systems for real-time policy evaluation and decision support in the face of unfolding epidemiological data.
- Conduct scenario analyses and robustness testing of learned strategies under uncertainty.
- Collaborate with domain experts in epidemiology, public health, and computer science.
- Publish findings in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.
- Contribute to the development of open-source software and reproducible research outputs.
Qualifications
Essential:
- Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field.
- Strong background in reinforcement learning or sequential decision-making.
- Interest in epidemic modeling modelling and public health.
- Proficiency in Python and familiarity with scientific computing libraries (e.g., NumPy, PyTorch, TensorFlow). Interest in high performance programming languages such as C++/rust.
- Demonstrated ability to publish scientific research and work independently.
- Strong communication skills (speaking and writing) in English and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
What We Offer
- A dynamic and supportive research environment within a leading institution.
- Opportunities to collaborate with national and international research teams.
- Access to computing infrastructure and epidemic modeling toolkits.
- Funding for conference travel and professional development.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- A research position for a period of 1.5 years, with starting date as soon as possible, to be decided together with the supervisor.
How to Apply:
Please submit a CV, cover letter, contact information for 2–3 references, and one representative publication to info@ai.vub.ac.be
For informal inquiries, contact Leander Schietgat and Anca Florea at info@ai.vub.ac.be