Post-doctoral positions in Theoretical Computer Science - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
The postdoctoral researchers will be working in the research group of Jakob Nordström. Much of the activities of this research group revolve around the themes of efficient algorithms for satisfiability in propositional logic (SAT solving) and lower bounds on the efficiency of methods for reasoning about SAT (proof complexity). Examples of theoretical questions of interest are analyzing proof systems formalizing the computational power of Gröbner bases (polynomial calculus) and integer linear programming (cutting planes), and proving stronger lower bound in the hierarchy of Frege proof systems. Another interesting area is the use of linear and semidefinite programming to solve hard combinatorial problems and of proof complexity to establish when problems are beyond the reach of such methods. Problems of the kind above have turned out to have deep, and sometimes surprising, connections to other topics such as, e.g., circuit complexity, communication complexity, and hardness of approximation, and therefore researchers in these or other related areas are more than welcome to apply.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a postdoctoral position is to conduct research, and withing the overall framework sketched above, the postdocs 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. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. Travel (funding) is included, and the group also receives short-term and long-term visitors on a regular basis.

Qualification requirements
Applicants should have a PhD degree in a subject relevant for the research area (normally completed no more than three years before the application deadline date), and should have a passionate interest in research. The successful candidate is expected to have a solid background in theoretical computer science and mathematics, and should have a strong research record as witnessed by publications in conferences such as STOC, FOCS, SODA, CCC, or similar, or in journals of a comparable quality. Problem solving skills and creativity are a must, as well as very good oral and written proficiency in English.The working language of the research group is English, and knowledge of English is also fully sufficient to navigate life in Sweden in general.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills relevant to the research conducted in the group as outlined above.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications should be uploaded in PDF in the Lund University recruitment system and should include the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae.
• List of publications.
• Brief research statement with description of research so far and future research goals and interests.
• Copy of PhD diploma.
• Writers of recommendation letters should submit their letters directly to jakob.nordstrom@cs.lth.se by the application deadline. Please state the reference number in the subject line.Names and addresses of three or more individuals who will provide letters of recommendation.
  

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