Visiting Research Scholar program of the Machine Learning and Data Science Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) in 2024

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Makoto Yamada

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Jul 21, 2023, 7:18:40 PM7/21/23

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Dear all,

At the MLDS unit in the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), we are looking for several visiting research scholars (with support) to conduct machine learning research with the members of the MLDS unit in 2024. Below are the details of the position.

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST):
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST; see www.oist.jp) is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding (OIST campus video tour). There are no academic departments, which facilitates multidisciplinary research. Outstanding resources and equipment are provided and managed to encourage easy access and collaboration. English is the official language of the University, and the university research community is fully international, with more than 50 countries represented. OIST is rapidly gaining recognition in the worldwide academic community as a model for excellence in education and research.

Machine Learning and Data Science (MLDS) unit (https://groups.oist.jp/mlds)
In the machine learning and data science (MLDS) unit, we focus on developing fundamental machine learning algorithms and solving important scientific problems using machine learning. We are currently interested in statistical modeling for high-dimensional data, including kernel and deep learning models and geometric machine learning algorithms, including trustworthy ML, graph neural networks (GNN), optimal transport problems, sparse learning, and weakly supervised methods.

We regularly publish our work at top ML venue such as NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, and AISTATS. See the publicaiton page.

Target of visiting
- Collaborate with MLDS members and publish papers at ML venues (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, AISTATS, ICLR)
Unit Members: https://groups.oist.jp/mlds/members

Mentors
- Han Bao (Kyoto University / OIST, Remote)
- Mohammad Sabokrou (OIST)
- Makoto Yamada (OIST)
- Han Zhao (UIUC, Remote)

Eligibility
- Master / Ph.D. students. (This is a hard constraint; for undergraduate students, please apply to the OIST internship program).
- Programming skills: Python, C++, etc.
- Mathematical skills: Linear algebra, optimization, probability.

Number of openings and duration
- Up to 5-7 graduate students in 2024. (We may be able to consider starting in early 2024).
- 3 months. (The duration and start date can be negotiable)

Support
We will provide the following support for successful applicants.
- Allowance. JPY 2,400 per working day (weekends excluded)
- Commuting Allowance. OIST Shuttle Bus Pass
- Travel Expenses. One direct round-trip air ticket
- Accommodation. Furnished apartment on- or off-campus

Application Process
All applications received before November 15th, 2023 will be given full consideration. The application deadline will continue until the position is filled. (Applications will be screened upon arrival)

How to apply: submit the following documents from here.
- Curriculum vitae
- Cover letter + research statement (about one A4 page)
Motivation, the list of courses, and the current research projects.

Zoom interviews: We will arrange the zoom interview for selected candidates.

We plan to send the notification by March/2024.