As you are looking for someone to create a new heuristic function for Sokoban while simulating it, I would be the best fit. Let me tell you why…
I have already developed a weather prediction model as part of Kaggle competition, where I finished among the top participants. This is just one model I made in a month. I have 5 years’ experience. You can do the math!
Your Sokoban project is doable. We can do your project by mapping the grid with five things; wall grid, path grid, block grid, dot grid (where the block is to be placed), and player position. Rest of the job will be handled by neural networks, and while RL can also be used, I don’t think it would be needed.
If further needed along the line, I can also model this game on unity engine, while incorporating RL to make the computer smart enough to complete every level. But we can work on that after we finish this one.
I’m only working here right now because I’m on top 3% freelancers waitlist at Toptal, but to make it worth your while, I will ask for a reasonable price. Consider it a gift from Pakistan to our neighbors.