POSTDOC -- Reinforcement Learning & Finance

[John Moody]

The International Computer Science Institute (ICSI) is seeking to hire
a Postdoctoral Fellow to work with Professor John Moody on research in
Reinforcement Learning and Computational Finance.

This two year Postdoc opportunity is part of a project funded by the
National Science Foundation entitled "Risk, Reward and Reinforcement".
This interdisciplinary investigation will explore powerful, new
algorithms for Direct Reinforcement and the application of these
algorithms to competitive games and important, real-world financial
problems. Activities will include fundamental algorithm research,
extensive simulation and empirical testing.  Prototype development will
make use of substantial financial market data resources under
development at ICSI. The goals are to create highly effective and
efficient algorithms for Direct Reinforcement that can discover robust,
low-risk solutions to challenging problems.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. or comparable research experience in a
physical, mathematical or engineering science or a quantitative social
science such as economics or finance. Strong mathematical, statistical
and computational skills are required. Ideally, applicants should have
knowledge of machine learning, Monte Carlo methods, time series
analysis, optimization, control engineering or quantitative finance.
Preference will be given to candidates who are about to complete or
have completed a Ph.D. within the past five years. Exceptionally well-
qualified non-Ph.D. candidates with three to five years of relevant
professional experience may also be considered.

ICSI is an independent, nonprofit research institute with headquarters
in Berkeley, California. It is closely affiliated with the University
of California at Berkeley.  ICSI is funded by the U.S. and several
European governments, and brings together top researchers from
participating countries.

This ICSI project will be based in Portland, Oregon, which offers
exceptional quality of life and was recently named America's "Best Big
City". See http://www.moneymag.com/best/bplive/portland.html .  The
successful applicant for this postdoc will have opportunities to
interact with researchers at ICSI, UC Berkeley, and other leading
Northwest and West Coast universities.

Interested individuals should email a curriculum vitae, up to three
representative publications, names / phones / emails of three to five
references and a cover note describing your research interests,
professional goals and availability.  Please email materials to
moody at icsi.berkeley.edu. Applications received on or before September
15, 2003 will receive priority consideration.  We will begin reviewing
applications on September 15 and will continue considering candidates
until the position is filled. Applicants should be available to begin a
two year postdoc between October 1, 2003 and February 1, 2004. ICSI is
an equal opportunity employer; minorities and women are encouraged to
apply.

____________________________________________________________________
 
John Moody, Professor                                     
International Computer Science Institute         Berkeley & Portland
Tel: +1-503-750-5942                         moody at icsi.berkeley.edu
FAX: +1-503-531-2026             http://www.icsi.berkeley.edu/~moody
____________________________________________________________________