1-year Postdoc in Deep Learning for Extrasolar Systems Stability Prediction

Missions

Context:

The CAML project is funded by the ARC program at UNamur and analyses the characteristics of extrasolar systems with deep learning. More specifically, it harnesses times series derived from N-body simulations to predict the stability of planetary systems. Those time series are enriched with chaos indicators and analysed by deep learning models. The project is an interdisciplinary collaboration between the human-centered machine learning (HuMaLearn) team of Prof. Benoît Frénay and the team of Prof. Anne-Sophie Libert in celestial mechanics.

Job description:

The goal of this postdoctoral research is to define, design and evaluate models to predict the stability of extrasolar systems. As the goal is to better understand why some systems are stable and how it can be predicted, interpretability of the developed models will be explored. Also, results of deep learning models should be obtained at a minimum computational cost.

Profil

Job Requirements:

• PhD in machine learning and/or deep learning (or equivalent, e.g., PhD in mathematics or physics with strong skills in deep learning, attested by relevant publications);
• experience with deep learning for sequence or time series analysis is a plus;
• autonomy and ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team;
• excellent publication record;
• proficiency in English (both speaking and writing) is mandatory, knowledge of French is considered as a plus.

Remarques

About the employer

The HuMaLearn team gathers about ten PhD researchers and postdocs, all working in machine learning or deep learning, both on theoretical or more applied and interdisciplinary aspects. The Faculty of Computer Science provides cutting-edge teaching and research, with a view to putting computers at the service of society, by taking into account their impact on the environment and by respecting the values of solidarity and sustainable development. The Faculty is a founding member of the Namur Digital Institute (NADI) which gathers over 150 researchers in the field of digital technology. It has a multi-disciplinary approach and addresses in particular the issues and challenges of computer science in organisations and in society. The Faculty of Computer Science has over 400 students, 80 members of staff including 18 professors and around 50 researchers. Founded in 1968, the Faculty of Computer Science has trained over 1,800 high-level computer science graduates since then.

How to apply

Applications should be sent by e-mail to: benoit.frenay@unamur.be and contain the following:

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae, including publication list
• Copy of Diplomas (Bachelor, Master and PhD, if available)
• PhD thesis (if available)
• 2-3 recent publications
• Names and e-mail addresses of 3 reference persons to be contacted upon request

Note: Soon to be graduating PhD students are welcome to apply provided that they will have defended their PhD prior to the start of the position. However, due to time constraints of the project, candidates who need to apply for a visa to start in Belgium will not be considered.

Applications will be processed as they arrive, do not hesitate to apply early or to contact us at benoit.frenay@unamur.be for further information about the position.

Important dates

Submission deadline: September 17th 2025

Expected starting date: October 2025