Doctoral student Positions in Theoretical Computer Science - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Department Information

The Theoretical Computer Science Group at KTH Royal Institute of Technology invites applications for doctoral student positions in theoretical computer science.

The Theoretical Computer Science Group at KTH (www.csc.kth.se/tcs) offers a strong research environment spanning a wide range of research topics such as complexity theory and approximation algorithms, computer and network security, cryptography, formal methods and natural language processing. We have one of Europe's most prominent groups in algorithms and complexity theory, and the research conducted here has attracted numerous international awards and grants in recent years.

Job Description

The doctoral student positions are in the area of computational complexity theory, focusing on questions at the intersection of approximation algorithms, subexponential algorithms, and proof complexity. Examples of topics of particular interest are the use of linear and semidefinite programming to solve hard combinatorial problems, or of proof complexity to prove that the problems are beyond the reach of such methods. Exciting recent developments have identified the so-called sums of squares hierarchy as a unifying theme for these questions, and one aim of our research is to build and expand on this theme. However, we will also freely explore whatever other methods turn out to be helpful for attacking these and other topics of interest in algorithms and complexity theory. The overarching goal is to understand fundamental properties of efficient computation by proving mathematical theorems about the power and limitations of different computational models.

This research project is led by Johan Håstad, Per Austrin, and Jakob Nordström, and is financed by grants from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, the European Research Council, and the Swedish Research Council.

In addition to the PIs and the announced doctoral student positions, the research project will also involve 3-4 existing doctoral students and 4-5 postdocs. Thus, this will be a unique opportunity to explore new connections between different subareas of complexity theory within a vibrant and growing research environment.

These are four-year full-time employed positions, but doctoral student positions usually (though not necessarily) include 20% teaching, in which case they are prolonged for one more year. The successful candidates are expected to start at the latest in August-September 2018, although this is to some extent negotiable. The positions are fully funded and come with a competitive salary.

Qualifications

To be eligible to apply for these positions, applicants need to have or be close to obtaining either an MSc degree or a 4-year BSc degree. A suitable background is, for instance, a degree in computer science, mathematics or possibly technical physics with a theoretical specialization.

The successful candidates are expected to have a strong background and passionate interest in theoretical computer science (in, e.g., complexity theory or similar areas) and mathematics. Problem solving skills and creativity are a must. Applicants must be strongly motivated for doctoral studies; should possess the ability to work independently and perform critical analysis, and also have good levels of cooperative and communicative abilities.

The working language of the TCS group is English, and knowledge of English is also fully sufficient to navigate life in Sweden in general. It might also be worth mentioning that Sweden routinely scores at the absolute top in rankings of quality of life such as, e.g., the OECD Better Life Index.

Trade union representatives

You will find contact information to trade union representatives at KTH:s webbpage.

Application

Applications are submitted via the KTH recruitment system.

Note that applicants are responsible that applications are complete as per the instructions below. Complete applications must be received by KTH by midnight CET at the date of the application deadline.

The application should include the following documents:

1. Curriculum vitae.
2. University grade transcripts.
3. Brief statement as to why the applicant wishes to conduct doctoral studies, including a description of the applicant's qualifications and interests.
4. If applicable, copies of the applicant's MSc thesis (or possibly BSc thesis) and any research publications.
5. Name and address of three references.

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

Log into KTH's recruitment system in order to apply to this position. You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad.

Others

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.