PhD position on Theoretical Research on Algorithms (1.0 FTE)

PhD position on Theoretical Research on Algorithms (1.0 FTE)
PhD position on Theoretical Research on Algorithms (1.0 FTE)

Published	Deadline	Location
today	7 Aug	Utrecht

Explore the cutting-edge field of Existential Theory of the Reals as a PhD candidate and focus on finding better algorithms or proof that they cannot exist.

Job description
Join our vibrant Algorithms and Complexity group and help us explore the cutting-edge field of Existential Theory of the Reals. In this PhD position your research will focus primarily on finding better algorithms, or proof that they cannot exist. The goal is to publish the results in competitive conferences and journals. You will also be involved in teaching by supervising tutorial groups of Bachelor’s and Master’s level courses and supervising student projects.
We offer you the choice to do your PhD in 5 or 4 years. If you choose a 5-year position, you dedicate your time 70% to research and 30% to teaching. For a 4-year position, this balance is 85% research and 15% teaching.
This position is part of a Vidi grant awarded to Till Miltzow , your daily supervisor in this project. More information on his research can be found on Youtube and on his personal website .
Candidates of all backgrounds are warmly invited to apply. Our current workgroup prides itself on its diversity, with members representing a broad array of nationalities, genders, ages, cultural backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and belief systems. We firmly believe that the richness of our work and the breadth of our perspectives are strengthened by this diversity. We look forward to welcoming new members who will contribute to this vibrant and inclusive environment.
Utrecht is a lively city and a great place to live and work. It is only 20 minutes by train away from Amsterdam.
Specifications

• 38—40 hours per week
• €2541—€3247 per month
• Utrecht View on Google Maps

Utrecht University

Requirements
Are you excited about the job description and do you hold a Master’s degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field? Come join our research group. We are looking for a candidate who possesses or is willing to acquire the following skills and attributes:

• advanced mathematical abilities and algorithm design. Proficiency in areas such as linear algebra and discrete math, along with a deep understanding of data structures and the ability to design and analyse the performance of algorithms;
• deep understanding of theoretical computer science concepts. This includes automata theory, formal languages, complexity theory, and more;
• research skills. The ability to conduct a literature review, identify gaps in the existing body of knowledge, formulate research questions, and design experiments or studies to address these questions;
• problem-solving abilities. Theoretical computer science is all about tackling complex problems, so as a PhD candidate you need to be able to think critically and creatively to find solutions;
• communication skills. Whether it’s writing a research paper, presenting at a conference, or explaining complex ideas to non-experts, effective communication in English is crucial;
• time management. A PhD is a significant commitment that requires balancing coursework, research, teaching duties (if applicable), and more;
• resilience, persistence, and independence. Research often involves dealing with setbacks and failures. To be successful as a PhD candidate, you need to be able to persevere in the face of challenges and work independently;
• collaboration and social skills. While some research can be done independently, most projects involve working with a team. Whether it’s a research advisor, other students, or interdisciplinary collaborators, being able to integrate into the social fabric of the team is crucial;
• curiosity and openness. A strong desire to learn, explore various research areas, and openness to new ideas and approaches.
• organisational skills and initiative. Willingness to take on light organisational tasks such as helping to organise a seminar, demonstrating initiative and responsibility.

Conditions of employment
We offer:

• a position for 4 or 5 years (see information above);
• a full-time gross salary ranging from €2,541 to €3,247 per month (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities);
• benefits including 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• a retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities.

In addition to the employment conditions from the CAO for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. These include agreements on professional development , leave arrangements and sports . We also give you the opportunity to expand your terms of employment through the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This is how we encourage you to grow. For more information, please visit working at the Faculty of Science .
Are you an international applicant? Our International Service Desk can answer your questions about living in the Netherlands as international staff .
Employer

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University , the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes . Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow .
At the Faculty of Science  there are 6 departments to make a fundamental connection with: Biology, Chemistry, Information and Computing Sciences, Mathematics, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Physics. Each of these is made up of distinct institutes that work together to focus on answering some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. More fundamental still are the individual research groups – the building blocks of our ambitious scientific projects. Find out more about us in this video .
You will join the Algorithms and Complexity group of Prof Hans L. Bodlaender , which is part of the Department of Information and Computing Sciences . You will work under the daily supervision of Dr. Till Miltzow . The group aims to explore the limits of efficient computation and to provide innovative algorithmic solutions for problems from different application contexts. The main research areas are graph and network algorithms, computational complexity, algorithmic modelling and optimisation, and robust combinatorial optimisation and simulation. The group runs a weekly seminar, jointly with the Geometric Computing group, where faculty and students present their recent work in all of these areas.
The Algorithms and Complexity group received many prestigious prices/awards and grants for its outstanding research. For examples Veni/Vidi/ERC grants, Nerode Prize, best paper and best presentation awards at various top conferences.

Additional information
If you have any questions that you’d like us to answer, please contact Dr. Till Miltzow (Assistant Professor) via t.miltzow@uu.nl.
Do you have any questions about the application procedure? Send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl .
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Application procedure
Everyone deserves to feel at home at our university. We welcome employees with a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. 
If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the “Apply now” button! Please enclose:

• letter of motivation;
• curriculum vitae;
• transcripts;
• master thesis (if applicable);
• the names and contact information (email + phone) of two references (optional).

If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward the link to them.
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