[DMANET] PhD / postdoc position in Amsterdam (discrete mathematics)

The Korteweg-de Vries Institute for Mathematics (KdVI) at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) invites applications for a PhD and postdoc position on the project entitled Algorithmic and Combinatorial Aspects of Partition Functions under the supervision of Dr Viresh Patel and Dr Guus Regts.

Project description:
The project concerns the study of various aspects of partition functions and graph polynomials. This is a very active area of research and lies at the interface of combinatorics, probability, theoretical computer science, and statistical physics. The partition function of the Potts model and the hardcore model, also known as the Tutte polynomial and the independence polynomial respectively, are prototypical examples. Evaluating these polynomials at certain points gives a lot of information about the graphs, e.g. the number of independent sets, the number of spanning trees, the number of proper q-colourings of a graph, etc. Some of the fundamental questions in this area include: What sort of network structure allows for efficient (approximate) computation of the partition function? Which network structures maximizes/minimizes the partition function? How does the partition function of a random network behave? Recent developments have shown strong connections between phase transitions in statistical physics and answers to these type of questions.

The position is funded by NETWORKS, a 10 year nationwide collaborative project to investigate stochastic and algorithmic aspects of networks. You will have an opportunity to participate in activities related to NETWORKS, which include training weeks and opportunities to collaborate with other members of the NETWORKS consortium.

You will also be involved in teaching in our Bachelor and/or Master programmes in Mathematics. An appropriate travel budget will be provided to attend conferences and present your work.

For more information about the PhD position and to apply, go to

http://kdvi.uva.nl/shared/uva/en/vacancies/2019/03/19-138-phd-position-in-discrete-mathematics.html?origin=HRhr4v5xS%2B2EF0YYBRUfoA

For more information about the postdoc position and to apply, go to

http://kdvi.uva.nl/shared/uva/en/vacancies/2019/03/19-139-postdoctoral-researcher-in-discrete-mathematics.html?origin=HRhr4v5xS%2B2EF0YYBRUfoA

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