The MUST Deep Learning research group performs basic and applied research in machine learning, with an emphasis on the theory and application of deep learning. Our theoretical work focuses on generalisation in deep learning, and the interpretability of deep learning models. Building on a strong track record in the application of machine learning to multilingual speech processing, our current application domains are diverse, ranging from space weather prediction to industrial applications of deep learning.

MUST forms part of the Faculty of Engineering at North-West University (NWU), South Africa. It is a node of the South African National Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR), and the coordinator of the “Machine learning in support of theoretical and computations sciences” research programme of The National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS). As such, the group develops and applies specialised machine learning techniques with a network of collaborating researchers.

We invite South African and international fellows to join us as a postdoctoral fellow. If you have a PhD in a related Engineering/Scientific field and have an interest in machine learning and deep neural networks, you are encouraged to apply.

If you are the successful candidate, MUST will provide you with exposure to an environment that conducts machine learning research of international standing. You will develop your research skills, collaborate and publish internationally, and grow your own research profile. You will work in collaboration with a supervisor and participate fully in the research programme of the group. You will also interact with the group’s postgraduate students, and have the opportunity to act as supervisor for research masters and doctoral students.

The fellowship is driven by merit and is awarded in line with the NWU policy on employment equity. The position is offered at one of two locations: Potchefstroom at the Faculty of Engineering, and Hermanus at the MUST research lab.

●      Relevant PhD degree (e.g. Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics), obtained within five years before the appointment as a postdoctoral fellow.

●      Strong programming and/or scripting skills (especially Python).

●      Good technical writing skills and a sound publication record.

●      Ability to co-supervise students.

●      Self-motivated individual with strong interpersonal skills.

●      Prior machine learning experience is essential.

The fellowship will be awarded for an initial period of one year, and is renewable for a second and third year, contingent upon available funding, satisfactory performance on the research project(s) as agreed with the fellowship advisor and productive integration into the research group.

●      The grant will fund the successful candidate at R240 000 - R360 000 per annum, depending on experience, non-taxable.

●      A further maximum amount of R20 000 per annum will be made available for running costs.

●      An once off amount to a maximum of R20 000 will be made available for relocation costs.

●      You will be required to purchase private medical cover unless you can show evidence of suitable existing cover. Assistance in this regard can be provided by the International office.

A short motivation of why you are interested in a postdoctoral fellowship at MUST should form part of your application.

Enquiries: assistant.must@gmail.com / 27 67 203 8092

More information: www.nwu.ac.za/must