[DMANET] 1 PhD position in Parameterized Complexity at TU Berlin (application deadline: October 1)

Department of Software Engineering and Theoretical Computer Science
Technical University Berlin

1 PhD position in Parameterized Complexity
Research Assistant (100% TV-L 13)

A PhD position is available in the DFG-funded Emmy Noether Junior Research
Group

"Efficient preprocessing for hard problems"

led by Stefan Kratsch at TU Berlin. The successful candidate will perform
research on parameterized complexity, kernelization, and related topics.
The main focus of research is on the rigorous study of polynomial-time
preprocessing for NP-hard combinatorial problems. Apart from scientific
contributions, the successful candidate will pursue a PhD in theoretical
computer science, with the goal of defending a doctoral thesis within
3-4 years.

The position is fulltime with an initial contract for 2 years and the
possibility to extend by up to 2 further years. There are no teaching
obligations,
but interest in teaching (exercises or lectures) is encouraged. The
position is available from November 1, 2013. Starting salary is roughly 1900
Euros net (includes mandatory health insurance; 3200 Euros before tax).

The junior research group is associated with the "Algorithms and complexity"
group chaired by Prof. Rolf Niedermeier (http://www.akt.tu-berlin.de/),
which currently consists of 9 further PhD students and postdocs.

Berlin offers a strong scientific landscape including three renowned
universities.
Furthermore there are a DFG (German Research Foundation) research
training group, called "Methods for Discrete Structures" (MDS) and the DFG
research center MATHEON; these offer opportunities for joint research and
support for PhD students (e.g., meetings, lecture series, summer schools).
Besides sciences, Berlin offers an exceptional variety of attractions, and a
flourishing cultural scene as well as a fast-paced multicultural living
environment that should cater to most interests and hobbies.

Candidates must hold a master's degree (or equivalent) in computer science,
mathematics or a related area, or have almost completed their study.
They should have a very good knowledge about algorithms and complexity.
Background in parameterized complexity and, e.g., algebra and probability
theory as well as programming skills are beneficial.
Good communication skills and solid English writing skills are mandatory,
as all publications as well as presentation of results by talks at
conferences and workshops will be in English.
Knowledge of German is not required, but it will be encouraged to learn
at least the basics.

First and foremost, candidates should bring strong curiosity and eagerness
to both ask and pursue scientific questions.

Interested applicants should send their application containing
- cover letter (see below)
- curriculum vitae
- an overview of grades and courses taken
- copy of Bachelor and Master certificates (or equivalent)
- summary of master/diploma thesis (English, 1-3 pages)
- (optionally) complete thesis and any other scientific publications
- recommendation letters (see below)

by

October 1, 2013

to

Dr. Stefan Kratsch
stefan.kratsch@tu-berlin.de
http://www.user.tu-berlin.de/stefan.kratsch/


*Cover letter*
Please include clear statements regarding your motivation to work in
research and why you want to pursue a PhD. Why are you interested in
parameterized complexity and/or kernelization? What other directions of
theoretical computer science and discrete mathematics are you interested
in and/or possess strong qualification in?

*Recommendation letters*
It is requested that interested applicants supply between
1 and 3 letters of recommendation written by professors and researchers
that they have interacted with (this should include the supervisor of
the master/diploma thesis). *The letters should be sent directly by email*
to stefan.kratsch@tu-berlin.de and preferably arrive around October 1 too.


Applications arriving by October 1 will receive full consideration,
however, the search remains open until the position is filled.

Qualifications being equal, precedence will be given to candidates with
disabilities.

Do not hesitate to contact stefan.kratsch@tu-berlin.de if you have any
questions regarding the position or your application.

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