Postdoctoral Position in Combinatorial Optimization and/or Theoretical Computer scienceThe Department of Computer Science at Lund University invites applications for a postdoc position in combinatorial optimization and/or theoretical computer science The Scientific EnvironmentWe are looking for an outstanding junior researcher with an innovative mindset 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 Lund University and the University of Copenhagen on either side of the Öresund 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 Basic Algorithms Research Copenhagen (BARC) centre, which is a world-leading research environment in algorithms and complexity theory. BARC aims 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 a researcher with strong mathematical background combined with excellent algorithmic thinking and programming skills to further expand our world-leading work on certifying algorithms. There is some flexibility as to what kind of research members of 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. Please see the description of the MIAO group to learn more about our work. Within the overall framework sketched above, the postdoc will be expected and encouraged to contribute to and influence the research agenda. Taking part in teaching graduate seminar courses is encouraged but not required. Travel funding is included, and the group also receives visitors on a regular basis. Our postdoc positions are full-time employed positions for two years. The starting date is negotiable, but should ideally be in August-September 2026 or earlier. All positions in the research group are fully funded, employed positions (including travel money) that come with an internationally competitive salary. QualificationsApplicants 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 in the field, such as AAAI, IJCAI, SAT, CP, or similar for more applied candidates, and STOC, FOCS, SODA, CCC, ICALP, or similar for more theoretical candidates, or in journals of a comparable quality. Problem solving skills and creativity are a must. For applied candidates, excellent programming skills are crucial.
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. WorkplaceLund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. Lund Technical College (LTH) forms the Faculty of Engineering at Lund University, where research of the highest international standard is conducted. The Department of Computer Science at LTH is a partner in the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP), which is Sweden's largest ever individual research program and addresses research on artificial intelligence broadly construed, and also in the ELLIIT Excellence Centre focused on basic and applied research in information technologies. Furthermore, there are extensive collaborations with the University of Copenhagen, the IT University of Copenhagen (ITU), and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) on the other side of the Öresund Bridge. ApplicationThe application deadline is January 16, 2025 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 Lund University recruitment system. Please see the official advertisement at lu.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:878003 for more details including a link to the application form. The application should be written in English and should include the following documents:
Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset. Further Information and Contact DetailsFurther information about the Department of Computer Science can be found at cs.lth.se/english/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Jakob Nordström at jakob.nordstrom@cs.lth.se. |