offering a fully funded 3 year PhD studentship on theoretical
foundations of Bio-Inspired Computation.
Bio-inspired computation includes general-purpose metaheuristics like
evolutionary algorithms, ant colony optimisation and particle swarm
optimisation. The idea is to mimic powerful mechanisms from nature, such
as the natural evolution of species or the collective intelligence of a
swarm of animals, and to apply these mechanisms for solving complex
optimisation problems. Bio-inspired algorithms have been applied
successfully in various engineering disciplines, but their theoretical
foundation is still very limited.
In recent years theoretical analyses have emerged that study the running
time of bio-inspired algorithms. The goal is to rigorously estimate the
expected time until such an algorithm finds a good or optimal solution
for interesting problems. This is done using mathematical techniques
from the analysis of randomised algorithms, probability theory and
computational complexity. The results allow for insights into the
working principles of bio-inspired metaheuristics, enable the assessment
of parameter choices and design aspects, and contribute to a sorely
needed theoretical foundation.
This studentship offers a valuable opportunity to work within a very
active, challenging, and exciting field at the intersection of
computational complexity and bio-inspired computation.
Funding Notes:
The award covers UK fees and a stipend at the standard UK research rate
of £13,590 per annum.
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, a minimum of an
upper-second-class Honours degree (2.1 or above) or a Master´s degree in
Computer Science, Mathematics, or related disciplines (or equivalent).
The project is mathematically challenging. Expertise with computational
complexity, probability theory and bio-inspired computation is
desirable. Good analytical thinking and an interest in these areas are
essential.
UK applicants and EU applicants are eligible for a full scholarship
award. Non-EU applicants cannot be funded and are not eligible to apply.
Please submit your electronic application through:
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/online
See also:
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/scholarships/projects/bio-inspired
For informal enquiries please contact Dr. Dirk Sudholt at
d.sudholt@sheffield.ac.uk.
Please provide appropriate references with the application. Applications
will be considered until the position is filled.
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