PhD Positions in Theoretical Computer Science

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

Job Description

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.

The PhD 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 PhD positions, the research project will also involve 2-3 existing PhD students and 3-4 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 a four-year full-time employed position, but PhD 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 2017, although this is to some extent negotiable. The positions are fully funded and come with a competitive salary.

This is an additional announcement on top of the PhD positions in D-2016-0832 due to additional research funding. Candidates who already applied for the positions D-2016-0832 should not apply again — all applicants for both announcements are evaluated in parallel.

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.

Workplace

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe's leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden's largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as in architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy.

The School of Computer Science and Communication at KTH (KTH CSC) is a premier research and education institution in information technology, with activities at both KTH and Stockholm University. We conduct education and research in both theoretical and applied computer science. Our activities in theoretical computer science range from theory building and analysis of mathematical models to algorithm construction, implementation and simulation. Applied computer science covers a wide spectrum including computer vision, robotics, machine learning, high performance computing, visualization, computational biology, neuroinformatics and neural networks, and speech and music communication. We also conduct applied research and training in media technology, human-computer interaction, interaction design and sustainable development. For more information, see www.kth.se/en/csc.

Employment

Form of employment: Time-limited
Work time: Full time
Salary: According to KTH regulations for PhD students (internationally very competitive)
Start date: By agreement, but preferably no later than August-September 2017
Number of positions: 4

Application

Please note that this is an additional announcement on top of the PhD positions in D-2016-0832 due to additional research funding. Candidates who already applied for the positions D-2016-0832 should not apply again — all applicants for both announcements are evaluated in parallel.

Application deadline: March 31, 2017
Employer's reference: D-2017-0117

Applications are submitted via the KTH recruitment system at kth.mynetworkglobal.com/en/what:login/jobID:137041/type:job/where:4/apply:1/. 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).

Further Information and Contact Details

For more information about doctoral studies at KTH, please visit www.kth.se/en/studies/phd/doctoral-studies-phd-1.9318.

Enquiries about the research project can be made via e-mail to apc@csc.kth.se or by phone to the numbers below:

Johan Håstad, Professor
Phone: +46 8 790 62 89

Jakob Nordström, Associate Professor
Phone: +46 8 790 69 19

Per Austrin, Associate Professor
Phone: +46 8 790 62 86

For enquiries about employment at KTH, please contact:

Maria Widlund, HR Manager
Phone: +46 8 790 97 54
E-mail: mwidlund@kth.se