Aligning Machine Learning Models with Algorithmic Reasoning Tasks

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to our lab’s mission of aligning machine learning (ML) models with algorithmic reasoning tasks. Our goal is to enhance optimization algorithms, help practitioners select the most effective algorithms, and guide the discovery of entirely new algorithms.

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For full consideration, send a complete application in a single PDF to HAI-Fellowships@stanford.edu with the subject line: “HAI Postdoc Fellowship - Vitercik”

Email HAI-Fellowships@stanford.edu

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Many of today’s most pressing challenges involve complex optimization problems—often NP-hard and extremely difficult to solve at scale. These problems arise in diverse, high-impact domains, including renewable energy management, healthcare resource allocation, and global supply chain logistics. While ML has the potential to transform both applied large-scale optimization and theoretical combinatorial optimization, algorithmic reasoning remains a significant challenge for artificial intelligence.

Our lab’s research is driven by the observation that, in practice, there is often a wealth of data specific to the application domain that can be leveraged to optimize algorithmic performance. For instance, the scheduling problems that an electric grid operator faces will change daily, but not drastically: although demand will vary, the network structure will remain largely stable. Thus, there is likely underlying structure linking the problems that arise within a given application domain. We aim to use ML to uncover and leverage this structure to optimize algorithmic performance.

Applications are due on April 3, 2025 by midnight AoE. Instructions below. 

Ellen Vitercik
Assistant Professor, Management Science and Engineering and Computer Science, Stanford University

Complete applications will include:

  • Cover letter explaining your interest in becoming a postdoc with the respective research lab/center/faculty through the HAI Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (500 words max).

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Short answer responses (300 max each):

    • Description of your dissertation research and broader research agenda

    • How do you see your research training and expertise contributing toward the understanding and advancement of Human-Centered AI? HAI thinks about "Human-Centered AI" through three focus areas.

  • One representative writing sample (published or unpublished)

The expected base pay for this position is $86,100/yr. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, and internal equity.

Stanford is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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The postdoc will collaborate closely with the lab’s principal investigator Ellen Vitercik, PhD students, postdocs, and external collaborators on multiple research projects. They will have the opportunity to help shape the direction of these projects. Each project includes weekly research meetings, and the postdoc will also have regular one-on-one meetings with the PI. Additionally, the lab has weekly group meetings, reading groups, and regular social outings.

Stanford HAI is also committed to creating a diverse community of scholars who are engaged in contributing to the understanding and advancement of Human-Centered AI. Postdoctoral fellows will have the opportunity to engage with one another and with the broader Stanford HAI research community. They are also expected to participate in professional development, cohort-building, and other programmatic activities organized by HAI.

  • PhD in computer science, operations research, applied math, statistics, or a related field

  • Strong background in machine learning, optimization, and/or algorithm design

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Alignment between candidate’s research interests and the lab’s goals

  • Publication record on related topics

  • Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research, including theoretical and/or empirical contributions

  • Application Deadline: April 3, 2025

  • Selections to be made by May 2025.

  • This is a 1-year appointment starting Fall 2025.

(Applicants advancing in the review process may be asked to submit additional materials, including letters of recommendation, and may be invited to interview.) 

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