⛔ This position is no longer available.
University: University of Amsterdam
Country: Netherlands
Deadline: 2026-05-01
Fields: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Mathematics, Psychology
Topic: Netherlands – PhD in Neurosymbolic AI at University of Amsterdam
Fields: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Mathematics, Psychology
Position: phd
Country: europe
Deadline: 2026-05-01
University: University of Amsterdam
Real Country: Netherlands
Main Category: computer & data sciences
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Are you driven to bridge the gap between human cognition and artificial intelligence, and eager to contribute to the next generation of intelligent systems? If you are passionate about advancing both the theoretical and practical frontiers of AI through interdisciplinary research, the PhD opportunity in Neurosymbolic AI at the University of Amsterdam may be the perfect next step for your academic journey.
About the University or Research Institute
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) stands as one of Europe’s leading research universities, renowned for its rich academic heritage and commitment to innovation. Located in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, UvA offers a stimulating international environment, attracting scholars from across the globe. The university is deeply rooted in a culture of academic freedom and open inquiry, fostering collaboration across disciplines.
UvA’s Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC) is a world-class interdisciplinary research center. The ILLC brings together experts from philosophy, logic, mathematics, computer science, linguistics, musicology, and cognitive science. This unique blend cultivates a dynamic academic community where ideas flourish and new research directions are constantly explored. Amsterdam itself, known for its high quality of life, cultural diversity, and progressive outlook, further enhances the university experience, offering an inspiring setting for both academic and personal growth.
Research Topic and Significance
The focus of this PhD position is Neurosymbolic Artificial Intelligence, an emerging field at the intersection of symbolic reasoning and neural computation. While neural models have achieved remarkable success in various AI applications, they often fall short in tasks requiring abstract and flexible reasoning—areas where humans and symbolic approaches excel. The integration of symbolic and neural paradigms is thus a critical step toward the development of more robust, explainable, and cognitively inspired AI systems.
This research is highly relevant in today’s technological landscape. As AI systems become increasingly pervasive, there is a growing demand for models that not only perform well but can also explain their reasoning and adapt to new, unforeseen challenges. Neurosymbolic AI holds the promise of bridging this gap, leading to AI that is both powerful and interpretable. The field is also pivotal for modeling human cognition, offering insights into how humans process information and solve complex problems.
Project Details
As a PhD candidate, you will join the Natural Language Processing research unit within the ILLC. This unit is home to a vibrant community of scholars dedicated to exploring the foundations and applications of language, logic, and computation. The research will focus on:
– Developing novel methods to model human cognition and/or enhance AI performance.
– Building frameworks for assessing abstract and flexible reasoning in both humans and AI.
– Connecting neurosymbolic architectures to the internals of modern AI systems.
– Publishing and presenting research outcomes at leading international conferences and journals (e.g., ACL, EMNLP, NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, AAAI, TACL, TMLR).
– Defining the exact research topics and work plan collaboratively with the selected candidate.
The appointment is for four years (initially 18 months, with extension upon satisfactory evaluation). You will also participate in departmental activities, attend research seminars, and contribute to the organization of events at the ILLC. The position includes opportunities to assist in teaching undergraduate and master’s students, further enhancing your academic profile.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate for this PhD position will possess:
– A Master’s degree (MSc) in a relevant discipline, such as Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Mathematics, Cognitive Science, or Psychology.
– Strong technical skills and a keen scientific interest in fundamental AI research.
– An excellent academic track record.
– The ability to work independently, coupled with a willingness to contribute original ideas.
– Proficiency in both written and spoken English, with strong communication skills.
– Creativity, enthusiasm, and a collaborative mindset.
Candidates from underrepresented communities in computer science are especially encouraged to apply. The selection committee values diversity in academic backgrounds and perspectives, recognizing the importance of varied viewpoints in advancing research.
Application Process
The deadline for applications is 2026-05-01. For full details and to submit your application, please visit the official University of Amsterdam vacancy page:
https://werkenbij.uva.nl/en/vacancies/phd-position-in-neurosymbolic-ai-netherlands-14898
Please refer to the official advertisement for comprehensive instructions on the application process, required documents, and further information.
Conclusion
This PhD opportunity at the University of Amsterdam offers a unique platform to engage with cutting-edge research in Neurosymbolic AI, collaborate with leading experts, and contribute to the advancement of intelligent systems that can reason, explain, and adapt. If you are eager to shape the future of AI and deepen our understanding of human cognition, we encourage you to apply. Be sure to follow the official vacancy page for updates and explore similar opportunities to further your academic career.
Questions & Answers
Question: What is Neurosymbolic AI and why is it important?
Neurosymbolic AI combines neural and symbolic approaches to create intelligent systems capable of both learning from data and performing abstract, flexible reasoning. This integration is crucial for building AI that is more interpretable, adaptable, and closer to human cognition.
Question: What makes the University of Amsterdam an attractive destination for PhD studies?
The University of Amsterdam is internationally recognized for its research excellence, interdisciplinary approach, and vibrant academic community. Its location in Amsterdam offers a high quality of life, cultural richness, and a supportive environment for international students.
Question: Who can apply for this PhD position?
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as AI, Computer Science, Mathematics, Cognitive Science, or Psychology. The selection committee welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups.
Question: What is the salary and employment structure for this position?
The gross monthly salary ranges from €3,059 to €3,881 (based on 38 hours per week), plus additional allowances. The position is a full-time temporary contract for four years, with an initial contract of 18 months and extension upon satisfactory performance.
Question: What are the main research activities involved?
The PhD candidate will develop new methods for modeling cognition and improving AI, build frameworks for reasoning assessment, connect neurosymbolic architectures to AI internals, and present findings at top international conferences.
Question: Is teaching experience required or provided?
While teaching experience is not required, PhD candidates are expected to assist in teaching undergraduate and master’s students as part of their academic development.
Question: Are there any specific language requirements?
Applicants must demonstrate full proficiency in spoken and written English, as this is the primary language of instruction and research.
Question: How can I find more information or apply?
All application details, requirements, and the submission portal can be found at the official University of Amsterdam vacancy page:
https://werkenbij.uva.nl/en/vacancies/phd-position-in-neurosymbolic-ai-netherlands-14898
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