Postdoctor in 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 postdoctor 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 involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.  

Description of the work duties, such as:

• Research within the subject area
• There might be opportunities for teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies (optional)
• There might be opportunities for supervision of degree projects (optional)

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Strong background and passionate interest in computer science and mathematics.
• Problem solving skills and creativity.
• Ability to collaborate.

Assessment criteria

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 within the subject.

Consideration will also be given to 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.

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.

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of two 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”).

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application shall be written in English and should include:

• Curriculum vitae.
• Diplomas and transcripts of records (MSc/BSc and PhD degree or equivalent).
• List of publications including links to the applicant's pages at DBLP and Google Scholar.
• Brief research statement with an overview of research so far and future research goals and interests, including a short description of 3 selected papers.
• Copies of the above 3 selected papers.
• Contact information for three references who might be contacted later in the recruitment process.

We welcome your application