Doctoral students in Computer Science with a focus on theoretical computer science - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

There is a growing research group in foundations of computer science at Lund University. We expect to have 8 PhD students by the autumn, in addition to three faculty, a postdoc and some MSc students.

Lund University is located in the Öresund area, which is offering one of the strongest and most exciting environments in computational complexity research in Europe. There is extensive collaboration with the University of Copenhagen (UCPH), the IT University of Copenhagen (ITU), and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) on the other side of the Öresund Bridge. In particular, we collaborate with the MIAO research group, which is active at both Lund University and the University of Copenhagen. The PhD students can also look forward to interacting with the four additional faculty in complexity theory in Copenhagen, together with their students and postdocs, as well as with the algorithms group at the Basic Algorithms Research Copenhagen (BARC) centre.

Subject description

At the heart of computational complexity theory is the quest to understand the nature of efficient computation. What makes a problem computationally hard or easy? How can we show that every algorithm that solves a certain problem must necessarily consume a large amount of resources (such as time or memory, say)? The study of the potential and limits of efficient computation is about foundational, mathematical, research, but research results in computational complexity theory have had major impact in other areas of computer science and other scientific disciplines, and have given rise to some of the most important open problems in modern mathematics.

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 Engineering, 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.

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:

Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. Written and oral communication skills. 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 experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University.

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. Starting date is autumn of 2024 or according to agreement.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include:

• Cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Degree certificate or equivalent.
• Grade transcripts (BSc and MSc, if applicable).
• If applicable, copies of the applicant’s MSc thesis (or possibly BSc thesis) and any research publications.
• Contact information for three references who might be contacted later in the recruitment process.
• You are also asked to answer the selection questions.

Welcome to apply!