1 PhD Student position "Desire Lines in Big Data" in Netherlands | Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

Data science, and process mining in particular, is growing in importance. Therefore, we have several PhD vacancies for people with a strong background in data mining, machine learning, process analytics, predictive analytics, or Big Data.

Currently, we are looking for: a PhD student working on Process Mining and Big Data

The AIS group is one of the leading groups in the exciting new field of process mining. Process mining techniques focus on process discovery (extracting process models from event logs), conformance checking (comparing normative models with the reality recorded in event logs), and extension (extending models based on event logs). The work resulted in the development of the ProM framework that is widely used in industry and serves as a platform for new process mining techniques used by research groups all over the globe. Moreover, many of the techniques developed in the context of ProM have been embedded in commercial tools.

The Data Science Centre Eindhoven (DSC/e) is TU/e’s response to the growing volume and importance of data. For example, in TU/e’s Impulse program we collaborate with innovative organizations such as Philips, Perceptive Software, Adversitement, Synerscope, Fluxicon, etc. on topics related to data science and process mining.

In the context of the “Desire Lines in Big Data” (DeLiBiDa) project we aim at developing new process mining techniques that are able to deal with huge event logs recorded for processes executed in possibly highly variable and heterogeneous contexts. The discovery of process models from event logs is notoriously difficult and major breakthroughs are needed for the large-scale application of process mining. DeLiBiDa is a so-called TOP grant and funded by NWO. DeLiBiDa is composed of three research tracks aiming at such breakthroughs:

• In Track T1 we will develop techniques to decompose process mining problems (e.g., process discovery and conformance checking) into smaller problems that can be solved more efficiently and that can be distributed over a network of computers;
• Track T2 goes one step further. To support applications where it is impossible to store events over an extended period, on-the-fly process mining techniques will be developed that can learn (or check) process models without storing excessive amounts of events;
• Existing techniques require the analyst to restrict the scope to a single process model describing the behavior of a homogeneous group of cases in steady-state. In Track T3 we will develop comparative process mining techniques that systematically highlight commonalities and differences. This way we can deal with hetero9eneous processes that are changing over time and that have many variants.

We are currently looking for a PhD student that will focus on Track T2 (on-the-fly process mining techniques).

Requirements

we are looking for candidates that meet the following requirements:

• a solid background in computer Science or Information Systems with an interest in process mining;
• knowledge of data mining, machine learning, process analytics, predictive analytics, or Big Data. (demonstrated by a relevant Master);
• candidates from non-Dutch or non-English speaking countries should be prepared to prove their English language skills;
• good communicative skills in English, both in speaking and in writing;
• moreover, candidates are expected to realize research ideas in terms of prototype software, so software development skills are needed.

Note that we are looking for candidates that really want to make a difference and like to work on things that have a high practical relevance while having the ability to work in one of the strongest research groups in the world. Moreover, we would like to prepare candidates for interesting data science related jobs (sometimes referred to as “the most sexy job of this century”) in both academia and industry.

We offer:

• A full time temporary appointment for a period of 4 years, with an intermediate evaluation after 9 months.
• A gross salary of € 2083 per month in the first year increasing up to € 2664 in the fourth year.
• Support for your personal development and career planning including courses, summer schools, conference visits etc.
• A broad package of fringe benefits (e.g. excellent technical infrastructure, child daycare and excellent sports facilities)

Additional information

Regarding the content of the project: prof.dr.ir. W.M.P. van der Aalst, Αυτή η διεύθυνση Email προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε.

Regarding the application: Mr. C. Kuiters, HR advisor, Αυτή η διεύθυνση Email προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε.

The application should consist of the following parts:

• motivational letter;
• a curriculum vitae;
• copies of diplomas;

In the application candidates should relate their expertise to the topics mentioned here and describe their language and software development skills.

Deadline for application: January 31st 2014