Data Science | AI Internship: Reinforcement Learning

Introduction

The Applied Data Science Technical Competence team at ASML develops data-driven solutions that improve machine performance through machine learning and artificial intelligence. Working closely with domain experts, the team transforms complex data into practical solutions that support diagnostics, maintenance, calibration, and control. In this internshipyou will help improve how AI systems learn from engineer interactions during diagnostic activities. Your work will contribute to creating adaptive AI solutions that continuously improve based on human feedback. This internship offers the opportunity to work on a highly relevant challenge within the field of AI and human-in-the-loop learning.

Your assignment

During this internship, you will design and evaluate a Reinforcement Learning with Human Feedback (RLHF) framework that enables AI systems to learn from interactions with field engineers. The goal is to improve diagnostic recommendations by systematically capturing feedback and converting it into actionable learning signals. You will combine reinforcement learning, natural language processing, and human-in-the-loop AI methods to investigate continuous improvement mechanisms. Your main responsibilities will be:

• Design a framework to capture engineer-AI interaction signals during diagnostics.
• Analyze how user actions can be translated into meaningful feedback signals.
• Develop reward models for reinforcement learning using human feedback.
• Build and evaluate prototype solutions using Python and deep learning frameworks.
• Investigate methods to improve diagnostic recommendation quality over time.
• Assess the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed RLHF approach.
• Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders within the team.

This is a master thesis internship for minimum 5 months, minimum 4 days per week (3 days on-site). The start date of this internship is as of February 2027, but an earlier start date is also possible.

Your profile

To be suitable for the internship, you:

• Are pursuing a master's degree in computer science, data science, applied mathematics, applied statistics, or a related field.
• Have experience with Python programming and machine learning development.
• Have knowledge of reinforcement learning, human feedback methods, and reward design.
• Have experience working with PyTorch or similar deep learning frameworks.
• Demonstrate an analytical, proactive, and collaborative approach to solving complex problems.
• Communicate effectively in English, both written and spoken.

This internship is ideal for students who want to contribute to the next generation of adaptive AI systems. You will work alongside experienced data scientists and gain practical experience in reinforcement learning, human-in-the-loop AI, and machine learning research. You will help shape innovative solutions that support smarter diagnostics and continuous learning within ASML products and services.

Other requirements you need to meet:

• You are enrolled at an educational institute for the entire duration of the internship, and you are at least 18 years old at the start of the internship;
• If you are a non-EU citizen, studying in the Netherlands, your university is willing to sign the documents relevant for doing an internship (i.e., Nuffic agreement);
• You attach your cover letter with a clear motivation on why you are interested in this internship assignment in particular;
• You need to be located in the Netherlands to be perform your internship. In case you are currently living/studying outside of the Netherlands, your application shows the willingness to relocate.

Inclusion and diversity

ASML is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that inclusion and diversity is a driving force in the success of our company.

Do you want to know more about the internship allowance, visa support and applying for an internship at ASML? Read this page.