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source

University of Amsterdam

Just Landed

Postdoc: Symmetries and their Breaking in Deep Learning University of Amsterdam in Netherlands

Degree Level

Postdoc

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

2-year postdoc position with gross monthly salary of €3,706 to €5,760 based on 38 hours per week, plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance; favourable 30% ruling may apply to non-Dutch applicants.

Deadline

Dec 8, 2026

Country flag

Country

Netherlands

University

University of Amsterdam

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Keywords

Computer Science
Deep Learning
Mathematics
Theoretical Physics
Many-body Systems
Generative Modeling
Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics
Scaling Laws
Symmetry Breaking
Physics

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About this position

AMLab at the University of Amsterdam is recruiting a 2-year postdoc to work with Nabil Iqbal on a Simons Foundation–supported project on symmetries and their breaking in deep learning. The position sits at the intersection of machine learning, theoretical physics, and mathematical modelling, with a focus on understanding how modern neural architectures develop useful emergent behaviour from simple components.

The project asks fundamental questions about the dynamics of deep learning and aims to build a theoretically grounded framework for modern neural networks. The postdoc will develop research on neural architectures from a physical perspective, using ideas such as symmetry, universality, and collective behaviour to study learning systems in a principled way.

Research directions mentioned in the advert include spontaneous symmetry breaking in equivariant neural networks, scaling laws in deep neural networks, geometric deep learning, and the dynamics of generative models. The postdoc may also use tools from theoretical physics, including non-equilibrium and non-reciprocal thermodynamics, and apply modern generative methods to scientific problems such as sampling for many-body quantum physics.

The role is embedded in the Amsterdam Machine Learning Lab (AMLab), a research environment focused on machine learning, artificial intelligence, and large-scale scientific and industrial data domains. The postdoc will help shape the lab’s research agenda, co-author publications, represent the group at international meetings, and co-supervise PhD and MSc students while building an independent research profile.

The broader setting is the Faculty of Science at UvA, a research-intensive environment where the new group is being launched by Nabil Iqbal to study neural networks from a physical point of view.

Funding details

2-year postdoc position with gross monthly salary of €3,706 to €5,760 based on 38 hours per week, plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance; favourable 30% ruling may apply to non-Dutch applicants.

What's required

A completed or near-completed PhD in machine learning, computer science, physics, mathematics, or a related field is required. Applicants should have a strong publication record in major academic journals or international conferences, strong mathematical and programming skills (for example PyTorch or JAX), the ability to run experiments and build theoretical frameworks, the ability to work independently and mentor PhD and MSc students, and a professional command of English.

How to apply

Apply online via the AcademicTransfer application link. Submit a detailed CV with months for education and work experience, a motivation letter, a publication list, and the names and email addresses of two referees in one single PDF file besides the CV. Only complete applications received by 8 December 2026 will be considered.

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