PhD Positions in Theoretical Computer Science and/or Combinatorial OptimizationThe Department of Computer Science (DIKU) at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for PhD positions in theoretical computer science and/or combinatorial optimization. The Scientific EnvironmentThe PhD students will be working in 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. Our most recent new line of research is on how to verify the correctness of state-of-the-art algorithms for combinatorial optimization. Such algorithms are often highly complex, and even mature commercial solvers are known to sometimes produce wrong results. Our work on designing a new generation of certifying combinatorial solvers, which output not only an answer but also a machine-verifiable mathematical proof that this answer is correct, has already led to several prestigious international awards, but many more exciting problems are still waiting to be solved! We are fortunate to be part of the Algorithms and Complexity Section at DIKU, which is world-leading in algorithms and complexity theory. DIKU hosts the Basic Algorithms Research Copenhagen (BARC) centre joint with the IT University of Copenhagen (ITU), 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 DescriptionWith this call, we are mainly looking for mathematically gifted PhD students with excellent programming skills to continue our ground-breaking work on certifying algorithms. There is some flexibility as to what kind of research PhD students in the group pursue, though, and all candidates are welcome, both those who want to go deep into either theory or practice and those who are inspired by the challenge of bridging the gap between the two.
These positions are available for period of 3-5 years, depending on the current education level of the applicant (please see the official advertisement for more detailed information). The starting date is flexible, but will be in October 2024 or thereafter. All PhD positions in the research group are fully funded, employed positions (including travel money) that come with an internationally competitive salary. Qualifications
To be eligible to apply for these positions, applicants need to have or be about to obtain either a BSc or an MSc degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field. The successful candidates are expected to have a strong background and passionate interest in mathematics and computer science, as demonstrated by excellent grades in relevant courses, or by results at the Olympiads of Mathematics or Informatics, or by publication in relevant internationally recognized conferences or journals. Problem solving skills and creativity are a must. For candidates interested in more applied research, strong programming skills are required. Applicants need to be highly motivated for doctoral studies; should possess the ability to work independently and perform critical analysis; and also have good levels of communicative abilities and English language skills. 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. WorkplaceThe 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. General information about PhD studies at the Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen can be found at the webpage www.science.ku.dk/phd/. ApplicationThe application deadline is July 1, 2024 at midnight local time. Early applications are welcome, since this will help speed up the recruitment process, but all applications submitted before the deadline will be given equal consideration. Applications must be submitted via the University of Copenhagen recruitment system. Please see the official advertisement for more details including a link to the application form. The application should include the following documents:
Please observe that all the documents above should be in English (or for official documents possibly in Danish). The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position. Further Information and Contact DetailsInquiries about the positions can be made to Jakob Nordström at jn@di.ku.dk. |