Postdoc in Reinforcement Learning for Stochastic Optimization


Postdoc in Reinforcement Learning for Stochastic Optimization
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Workplace	Amsterdam - North Holland - Netherlands
Category	Mathematics \| Economics
Position	Senior Scientist / Postdoc
Published	18 March 2026
Postdoc in Reinforcement Learning for Stochastic Optimization Nieuwe Universiteitsgebouw (NU) Amsterdam 0.8 / 1 Faculty of Science Researcher / Postdoc Postdoc Closes on 21-04-2026 Publishing date 18-03-2026 Do you have an inquisitive mind and a passion for applied mathematics? Please apply for a Postdoctoral position at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Your function The Department of Mathematics of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam welcomes applications for a two-year Postdoctoral position in Reinforcement Learning for Stochastic Optimization. The candidate is expected to conduct high-quality research at the intersection of reinforcement learning and stochastic optimization. The objective is to contribute to the development of novel methodologies that advance both theoretical understanding and practical application. The postdoc will actively explore how reinforcement learning techniques can be applied across a range of complex operational domains, such as energy systems, health care, and scheduling and planning. A strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and the ability to connect with ongoing departmental research efforts are essential. Preference will be given to candidates who can connect to existing research strengths in the department. We are an inclusive, interdisciplinary group, and diversity and internationalism are at the heart of our research principles, as well as our teaching practice. The preferred starting date is 01.09.2026 Applications from all groups currently under-represented in academic posts are especially encouraged. We particularly welcome applications from women and people with an ethnic minority background. Your duties conducting research in the area of Reinforcement Learning (85%) contributing to the teaching portfolio of the Department of Mathematics (15%) conducting high-quality research at the intersection of reinforcement learning and stochastic optimization developing novel methodologies that advance both theoretical insights and practical applications collaborating across disciplines and contribute to ongoing research activities within the department applying reinforcement learning techniques to a variety of operational domains, including energy systems, health care, and telecommunication systems Your profile a PhD in mathematics, operations research or computer science a strong background in Reinforcement Learning demonstrated programming skills strong independent research skills ability to work independently and in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment team spirit and good communication skills in English What do we offer? A rewarding position in a socially involved organization. On a full-time basis, the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €4,412 and a maximum of €5,538. The job profile is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for 0.8-1.0 FTE. The appointment will initially be for 2 years. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as: 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus contribution to commuting expenses optional model for designing a personalized benefits package a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment good paid parental leave scheme About us The VU Analytics and Optimization Group The Analytics & Optimization group at Vrije Universiteit has many national and international connections, and is internationally leading in the field of analytics and optimization. We form a very active and collaborative group and are fascinated by mathematics for business applications. We are specialized in stochastic processes such as queueing systems and their controlled counterpart, Markov decision processes. We also cover related fields such as simulation, machine learning and statistics, because you have to combine them in the analytical process. The Department of Mathematics The Department of Mathematics strives for excellence in research. The department balances pure mathematical research with mathematical research motivated by applications. Researchers in the department are on the one hand active at a fundamental and theoretical level, and, on the other hand, work on applications with links to business, the sciences, and societal issues. The department has a strong international research staff with expertise in dynamical systems, topology, geometry and algebra, as well as in stochastics (statistics, data analytics, probability). Faculty of Science Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature. We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future. Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 5,500 staff work at the VU and over 30,000 students attend academic education. Diversity Diversity is the driving force of the VU. The VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding. We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services. Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community. Interested Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button by 21.04.2026 and upload: cover letter in which you describe your motivation, a curriculum vitae, a research statement, and the names and e-mail addresses of three references. Applications received by e-mail will not be considered. Vacancy questions If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact: Name: Sandjai Bhulai Position: Professor of Business Analytics E-mail: [email protected] Your function The Department of Mathematics of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam welcomes applications for a two-year Postdoctoral position in Reinforcement Learning for Stochastic Optimization. The candidate is expected to conduct high-quality research at the intersection of reinforcement learning and stochastic optimization. The objective is to contribute to the development of novel methodologies that advance both theoretical understanding and practical application. The postdoc will actively explore how reinforcement learning techniques can be applied across a range of complex operational domains, such as energy systems, health care, and scheduling and planning. A strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and the ability to connect with ongoing departmental research efforts are essential. Preference will be given to candidates who can connect to existing research strengths in the department. We are an inclusive, interdisciplinary group, and diversity and internationalism are at the heart of our research principles, as well as our teaching practice. The preferred starting date is 01.09.2026 Applications from all groups currently under-represented in academic posts are especially encouraged. We particularly welcome applications from women and people with an ethnic minority background. Your duties conducting research in the area of Reinforcement Learning (85%) contributing to the teaching portfolio of the Department of Mathematics (15%) conducting high-quality research at the intersection of reinforcement learning and stochastic optimization developing novel methodologies that advance both theoretical insights and practical applications collaborating across disciplines and contribute to ongoing research activities within the department applying reinforcement learning techniques to a variety of operational domains, including energy systems, health care, and telecommunication systems Your profile a PhD in mathematics, operations research or computer science a strong background in Reinforcement Learning demonstrated programming skills strong independent research skills ability to work independently and in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment team spirit and good communication skills in English What do we offer? A rewarding position in a socially involved organization. On a full-time basis, the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €4,412 and a maximum of €5,538. The job profile is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for 0.8-1.0 FTE. The appointment will initially be for 2 years. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as: 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus contribution to commuting expenses optional model for designing a personalized benefits package a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment good paid parental leave scheme About us The VU Analytics and Optimization Group The Analytics & Optimization group at Vrije Universiteit has many national and international connections, and is internationally leading in the field of analytics and optimization. We form a very active and collaborative group and are fascinated by mathematics for business applications. We are specialized in stochastic processes such as queueing systems and their controlled counterpart, Markov decision processes. We also cover related fields such as simulation, machine learning and statistics, because you have to combine them in the analytical process. The Department of Mathematics The Department of Mathematics strives for excellence in research. The department balances pure mathematical research with mathematical research motivated by applications. Researchers in the department are on the one hand active at a fundamental and theoretical level, and, on the other hand, work on applications with links to business, the sciences, and societal issues. The department has a strong international research staff with expertise in dynamical systems, topology, geometry and algebra, as well as in stochastics (statistics, data analytics, probability). Faculty of Science Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature. We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future. Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 5,500 staff work at the VU and over 30,000 students attend academic education. Diversity Diversity is the driving force of the VU. The VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding. We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services. Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community. Questions about the vacancy? Please contact Sandjai Bhulai Professor Send an email Interested Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button by 21.04.2026 and upload: cover letter in which you describe your motivation, a curriculum vitae, a research statement, and the names and e-mail addresses of three references. Applications received by e-mail will not be considered. Vacancy questions If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact: Name: Sandjai Bhulai Position: Professor of Business Analytics E-mail: [email protected] Questions about the vacancy? Please contact Sandjai Bhulai Professor Send an email Application procedure Other interesting vacancies PostDoc in Machine Learning and Statistics (3 years) 0.8 / 1 Faculty of Science Researcher / Postdoc Postdoc Closes on 19-04-2026 Publishing date 12-03-2026 0.0 km Are you interested in combining machine learning with statistical methods, and do you want to contribute to shaping the future of data science techniques and applications with an eye on society? Then Vrije Universiteit would like to get to know you! 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In your application, please refer to myScience.org and reference JobID 3219652.