Faculty of Engineering, LTH, The Department of Computer Science

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Subject description
Post-doctoral positions in Computer Science Focused on SAT Solving and Combinatorial Optimization. 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). On the practical side, one problem of interest is to gain a better understanding of, and improve, the performance of current state-of-the-art SAT solvers based on conflict-driven clause learning (CDCL). We are even more interested in exploring new algebraic or geometric techniques (such as Gröbner bases or pseudo-Boolean solving) that could potentially yield exponential improvements over CDCL. We also believe that there should be ample room for technology transfer with related areas such as SMT solving, constraint programming (CP), and/or mixed integer linear programming (MIP), and so excellent researchers in these areas are also warmly 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.

Additional requirements:
The applicant should have a passionate interest in research. The successful candidate is expected to have a solid background in computer science in general and SAT solving or neighbouring areas in particular, and preferably also mathematics, and should have a strong research record as witnessed by publications in conferences such as AAAI, IJCAI, SAT, CP, or similar, or in journals of a comparable quality. Problem solving skills and creativity are a must. Excellent programming skills are crucial. 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.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

  • A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
  • Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:
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.
  • 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). Writers of recommendation letters should submit their letters directly to jakob.nordstrom@cs.lth.se by the application deadline. Please state the reference number PA2019/4050 in the subject line.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment September 1, 2020
Salary Monthly
Number of positions 2
Full-time equivalent 100
City Lund
County Skåne län
Country Sweden
Reference number PA2019/4050
Contact
  • Jakob Nordström, jakob.nordstrom@cs.lth.se
Published 11.Dec.2019
Last application date 10.Feb.2020 11:59 PM CET

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