PhD Position in Machine Learning for Digital Finance – University of Twente

our profile

You are a highly motivated, enthusiastic researcher who is driven by curiosity and has:

Skills and Prerequisites:

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Business, Economics, Engineering, Information Technology, Mathematics, Computational Science or related fields;
• A strong passion and outstanding skills in data science and experience working with Python;
• Knowledge of quantitative modeling of financial markets, econometric techniques, machine learning, or quantitative empirical research methods;
• The ability to work on real-world problems in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment;
• Good communication skills and an excellent command of English;
• Knowledge and experience with ML design and implementation, working with multiple libraries/platforms (e.g., Pandas, Sklearn, Conda, Github, etc.). Experience with natural language processing, especially LLM is a plus;
• Strong mathematical background, in particular statistics & probability, linear algebra, calculus and optimization;
• Interest in practical applications of ML and AI, with attention to aspects such as explainability, ethics, and honest usage of customer data;
• Familiarity with international organizations and banking regulations is a plus.

The researcher working on this project will be a member of the coordinator team and the doctoral training team, thus contribution to coordination (research, technical, or financial) and other activities of the MSCA Doctoral Network is a substantial element of the candidate’s work and professional development plan. The Ph.D. development includes a large number of aspects, from scientific publications, building industry prototypes, communication and dissemination activities, public outreach to longer-term impact and results

We further emphasize that all Ph.D. candidates in DIGITAL will collaborate, therefore involvement and contribution to the topics and activities of DIGITAL is an important element of this position.

Interested and motivated candidates are encouraged to apply, even when they do not yet possess all desired skills. Through dedicated learning and doctoral training, you will be able to develop relevant skills on the job.

Our offer

We encourage high responsibility and independence while collaborating with colleagues, researchers, other university staff and partners. We follow the terms of employment by the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO). Our offer contains: a full-time 4-year doctoral position with a qualifier within 12 months; excellent mentorship in a stimulating research environment with excellent facilities; and a personal development program within this European network. It also includes:

• Gross monthly salary of € 2.770 in the first year, increasing each year up to € 3.539 in the fourth year;
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
• 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment;
• A training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;
• A green campus with free access to sports facilities and an international scientific community;
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
• A full status as an employee at the UT, including pension, health care benefits, and good secondary conditions are part of our collective labor agreement CAO-NU for Dutch universities.

Secondments at Industry, the Bank for International Settlements and the European Central Bank

This position includes several research stays at industrial partners. Placements will likely include 11 months at the BIS and 12 months at the European Central Bank (nationality restrictions apply). During those secondments, you will gain hands-on experience on industry-relevant research projects related to applications of AI in finance. The details of the secondments can change in terms of durations as well as companies. Compliance with the European mobility rule for MSCA positions is required, please check carefully before applying.