Doctoral students in computer science - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

The PhD students will be working in 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.

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 currently have one openng for a theoretically oriented PhD student, funded by a Consolidator Grant from the Swedish Research Council, and one more applied opening financed by the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP). There is a lot of flexibility as to what kind of research the PhD students will 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.

On the theory side, most of our work is in proof complexity, which studies formal systems for reasoning about logic formulas and other types of problems. Proof complexity has connections to foundational questions in computational complexity theory, but also plays an important role in algorithm analysis by providing a rigorous understanding of the power and limitations of different algorithmic approaches.

On the practical side, we want to gain a more rigorous scientific understanding, and improve the performance, of modern algorithms for automated reasoning and combinatorial optimization. We are particularly interested in designing algorithms that can exploit sophisticated mathematical techniques to achieve exponential improvements in performance compared to the current state of the art—something that theoretical research suggests should be possible, but that has so far been hard to achieve in practice.

Quite recently, we have also made some breakthrough research 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 goal is to design a new generation of certifying combinatorial solvers with so-called proof logging, meaning that the solvers output not only a solution but also a machine-verifiable proof that is easy to check and provides 100% formal guarantees that the claimed solution is correct and complete.

Work duties
The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include  teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%),.

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in computer science if the applicant has:

• at least 60 second-cycle credits at an advanced level with relevance for the research topic, or
• an MSc in Engineering in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Engineering Physics or Engineering Mathematics.

Additional requirements:

• Good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Strong background and passionate interest in computer science and mathematics.
• Problem solving skills and creativity.
• For candidates aiming to do more applied research excellent programming skills are also crucial.

Assessment criteria
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

We intend to employ 1-2 doctoral students.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and shall include the following documents:

1. Curriculum vitae.
2. Brief statement as to why the applicant wishes to conduct doctoral studies, including a description of the applicant's qualifications and interests.
3. Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc).
4. If applicable, copies of the applicant's MSc thesis (or possibly BSc thesis) and any research publications.
5. Names and addresses for three references who might be contacted for reference letters later in the recruitment process.

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