The School of Engineering, Computer Science and Informatics

The School of Engineering is one of four schools within Jönköping University. We offer attractive technical education at undergraduate and graduate levels and conduct advanced research in several technological areas.Working with us, you are close to colleagues in an international environment with great opportunities to influence and develop.

At the department of Computer Science and Informatics, research is conducted in the field of computer science and informatics. The newly established Jönköping AI Lab (JAIL) consists of two full professors, three associate professors, assistant professors and affiliated PhD students and laboratory engineers. The main research area is applied artificial intelligence (AI) in collaboration with the surrounding society and industry. The focus is on theory and method from data mining, machine learning and semantic technologies. JAIL is currently the largest research group in the department and is developing and growing stronger. The department offers education at undergraduate, graduate and research levels. The teaching is conducted through bachelor, master and engineering programmes that span from graphic design to software development and artificial intelligence. The research conducted in the department supports the educational programmes. There are approximately 30 staff at the department and about half of the staff have an earned Ph.D.

Position description
We announce a new post doc position in computer science with focus on machine learning for data-driven sports analytics. Today, analytical and data-driven approaches to understanding sports are used increasingly by teams, managers, coaches and scouts. In baseball, it is fair to say that these methods have even revolutionized the understanding of the game itself. Consequently, all major franchises in baseball operate analytical departments, and base many decisions on recommendations from these departments. Soccer and ice hockey, on the other hand, lag behind, in part because of the inherent difficulty in analyzing sports with continuous play. During the last few years, however, several systems that with high frequency track the position of every player, and the ball/puck, have been introduced. The overall purpose of this post doc project is to design algorithms and methods for utilizing such high-quality data in order to provide general insights about soccer and ice hockey. Technically, suggested solutions should utilize machine learning, including but not limited to deep learning.

As a post doc, you will be the principal investigator, heading a two-year project where you will work together with researchers in data analytics and machine learning. The project will have access to state-of-the-art data from soccer and ice hockey, and the partners/stakeholders in the project include teams, coaches, managers and analysts from top-tier Swedish ice hockey and soccer teams. Naturally, the analyses are expected to support these stakeholders in various processes.

Within the scope of the project, the selected candidate will be able to frame the research topic and approach to suit the candidate’s background profile and personal interests.

Work description
In the position of a post doc you will primarily (80%) conduct research in the area of data analytics. As described above, you will work with the development and customization of methods and algorithms based on machine learning in close collaboration with other researchers, and the stakeholders in the project. You will also be an active participant in the development of the research area as well as the development of the department’s new academic program, including courses in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The position also includes some teaching, for example in the form of laboratory exercises and supervision of thesis work (20%).

Qualifications
The position as a post doc requires that you have a Ph.D. in computer science or a related field. You must have good programming skills and extensive experience of working with data. A solid statistical background, and some familiarity with sports analytics is expected.

It is meritorious if you have experience in participating in research projects in collaboration with industry or other organizations. Knowledge of machine learning algorithms, proficiency in at least one of the programming languages Python and R, and a solid understanding of sabermetrics (or similar from other sports), are all strong merits.

Due to the international working environment, a good level of the English language, both written and oral, is expected. As a successful candidate you must be able to work both independently and in teams.

Suitable personal qualities
We are looking for candidates who are independent, analytical, creative, and committed. Generally, excellent candidates should demonstrate strong organizational, literacy, and numeracy skills as well as passion and diligence for the work at hand. A genuine and deep interest for modern analytical methods for understanding sports is expected.

Employment
This is a temporary position for two years and full-time, with a start date of January 2020, or as agreed upon. Working conditions are regulated in collective agreements and Jönköping University implements individual salary setting.

For further information about the employment please contact head of department, Anders Arvidsson (anders.arvidsson@ju.se) or Professor Ulf Johansson (ulf.johansson@ju.se).

We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts regarding this ad.

Application You are welcome with your application no later than September 1, 2019. Your application should include:

  • Personal letter
  • CV
  • List of publications
  • Certified copy of doctoral degree
  • Name and contacts for two references

Jönköping University is a modern institution, characterized by internationalization and an entrepreneurial spirit. We attract highly qualified, inventive and enterprising people from all around the world. We develop new knowledge and share our expertise through solid collaborations with industry and business, the public sector and other higher education institutions. We offer an equal and inclusive workplace and we welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds. For more information, visit https://ju.se/en.html

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment November 2019, or as agreed upon.
Salary Monthly
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Jönköping
County Jönköpings län
Country Sweden
Reference number 2019/2671-221
Contact
  • Ulf Johansson, +46 36-10 1743
Union representative
  • Mikael Palmgren, Saco-S, +46 36-10 1647
  • Thomas Axelsson, ST, +46 36-10 1076
Published 27.Jun.2019
Last application date 01.Sep.2019 11:59 PM CEST

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