Jakob Nordström / Open positions / Postdoc positions in combinatorial optimization

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Postdoctoral Positions in Combinatorial Optimization

The Department of Computer Science (DIKU) at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for postdoc positions in combinatorial optimization.

The Scientific Environment

We are looking for outstanding junior researchers with an innovative mind-set and intellectual curiosity to strengthen and complement the research profile of the Mathematical Insights into Algorithms for Optimization (MIAO) group headed by Jakob Nordström, which is active at both the University of Copenhagen and Lund University on either side of the Øresund Bridge.

The MIAO research group has a unique profile in that we are doing cutting-edge research both on the mathematical foundations of efficient computation and on state-of-the-art practical algorithms for real-world problems. This creates a very special environment, where we do not only conduct in-depth research on different theoretical and applied topics, but where different lines of research cross-fertilise each other and unexpected and exciting synergies often arise. Much of the activities of the group revolve around powerful algorithmic paradigms such as, e.g., Boolean satisfiability (SAT) solving, Gröbner basis computations, integer linear programming, and constraint programming. This leads to classical questions in computational complexity theory—though often with new, fascinating twists—but also involves work on devising clever algorithms that can exploit the power of such paradigms in practice.

We are fortunate to be part of the Algorithms and Complexity Section at DIKU, which is world-leading in algorithms and complexity theory (currently ranked 6th worldwide by CSrankings.org). DIKU hosts the Basic Algorithms Research Copenhagen (BARC) centre joint with the IT University of Copenhagen, and we also have extensive collaborations with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and with Lund University on the Swedish side of the Øresund Bridge, as well as with our many visitors. We aim to attract top talent from around the world to an ambitious, creative, collaborative, and fun environment. Using the power of mathematics, we strive to create fundamental breakthroughs in algorithms and complexity theory. While the focus in on foundational research, we do have a track record of surprising algorithmic discoveries leading to major industrial applications.

Job Description

These postdoc positions are full-time research positions for a duration of two years. Teaching of advanced courses is encouraged but not required. Travel funding is included, and we also expect to start receiving visitors again on a regular basis as the pandemic situation is now improving. The starting date would ideally be in early 2022 but is flexible.

The University of Copenhagen is currently expanding strongly in computer science. We expect to have tenure-track openings in in the coming years, and welcome postdoctoral researchers interested in exploring such opportunities.

Qualifications

Applicants should have or be about to receive a PhD degree in a subject relevant for the research area, and should have a passionate interest in research. The successful candidate is expected to have a solid background in computer science and mathematics, and should have a strong research record as witnessed by publications in top conferences such as AAAI, IJCAI, SAT, CP, or similar, or in journals of a comparable quality.

The working language of the group is English, and knowledge of English is also fully sufficient to navigate every-day life in Scandinavia in general. It might also be worth mentioning that Scandinavian countries routinely score at the absolute top in rankings of quality of life such as, e.g., the OECD Better Life Index.

Workplace

The University of Copenhagen was founded in 1479 and is the oldest and largest university in Denmark. It is often ranked as the best university in Scandinavia and consistently as one of the top places in Europe. Within computer science, it is ranked 2nd in the European Union (post-Brexit) by ShanghaiRanking.

Further information about the Department of Computer Science and the Faculty of Science can be found at www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/.

Application

The application deadline is November 28, 2021 at midnight local time.

Applications must be submitted via the University of Copenhagen recruitment system. Please see the official advertisement at jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/?show=155102 for more details including a link to the application form.

The application should include the following documents:

1. Curriculum vitae.
2. Diplomas (MSc/BSc and PhD degree or equivalent).
3. List of publications including links to the applicant's pages at DBLP and Google Scholar.
4. Brief research statement with description of research so far and future research goals and interests, and with a short description of 3 selected papers.
5. Copies of the above 3 selected papers.
6. Names and addresses for three references who might be contacted later in the recruitment process.

Please observe that all the documents above should be in English (or for official documents possibly in Danish).

The University of Copenhagen wishes for our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Further Information and Contact Details

Inquiries about the positions can be made to Jakob Nordström at jn@di.ku.dk.