About the project/work tasks
Modern theoretical computer science faces a fundamental challenge: the current tools fail to explain the effectiveness of heuristic approaches. This phenomenon is demonstrated by a multitude of examples, ranging from the prevalence of black-box SAT- and ILP-solvers in combinatorial optimization, to the inherent dependence on empirical evaluation found in common machine learning pipelines.
The goal of the project is to advance methods of algorithmic analysis, so that we can understand better which instances of fundamental problems can be solved efficiently with provable guarantees. We will employ rigorous algorithmic and complexity paradigms, in particular the tools of parameterized and fine-grained complexity. Possible research targets include graph-theoretic problems, such as those modelling routing and community identification in networks, as well as problems of fundamental importance to the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Qualifications and personal qualities
- Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent education in Computer Science or Mathematics. Master students can apply provided they complete their final master exam before 31.07.2025. It is a condition of employment that the master’s degree has been awarded.
- Solid background in Theoretical Computer Science and/or Mathematics, and research experience in these fields (for example, as part of a Master’s thesis) is an advantage.
- Research experience documented by publications in the top venues in Theoretical Computer Science (such as FOCS/STOC/SODA/ICALP/LICS) or AI (such as ICML/AAAI/IJCAI/NeurIPS) conferences is an advantage.
- Experience with algorithmic competitions (such as ACM ICPC) is an advantage.
- Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner and demonstrate good collaborative skills.
- Applicants must be proficient in both written and oral English.
Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Research experience, ambitions and potential will also count when evaluating the candidates.
Special requirements for the position
The University of Bergen is subjected to the regulation for export control system. The regulation will be applied in the processing of the applications.
About the PhD position:
About the PhD Research Fellow position: The fellowship will be for a period of 3 years, with the possibility for a 4th year, consisting of 25 % career-promoting work (e.g. teaching responsibilities at the department) distributed over the employment period. The 4th year is contingent on the qualifications of the candidate and the teaching needs of the department and will be decided by the head of department upon appointment.
The employment period may be reduced if you have previously been employed in a qualifying post (e.g. research fellow, research assistant).
About the research training: As a PhD Research Fellow, you must participate in an approved educational programme for a PhD degree within a period of 3 years. The deadline for applying for admission to the PhD programme at The Faculty of Science and Technology is 2 months after you start your position or after the start of the research project that will lead to the PhD degree. It is a condition that you satisfy the enrolment requirements for the PhD programme at the University of Bergen.
We can offer
- Exciting development opportunities as part of your role in a strong professional environment
- Salary as PhD research fellow (code 1017) in the state salary scale. This constitutes a gross annual salary of NOK 540 500. Further increases in salary are made according to length of service in the position.
- Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- Good welfare benefits
Your application must include
- a brief account of the applicant’s research interests and motivation for applying for the position
- the names and contact information for two referees. One of these should be the main advisor for the master’s thesis or equivalent thesis
- CV
- transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. If you have not yet completed your master’s degree, please submit a statement from your institution confirming the expected date of award of your master’s degree. Your master’s degree must be documented with transcripts and/or diploma before starting in the position.
- relevant certificates/references
- approved documentation of proficiency in English (if required, cf. English language requirements for PhD admission)
- a list of any works of a scientific nature (publication list)
- any publications
The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge.
General information
Detailed information about the position can be obtained by contacting: Associate Professor Kirill Simonov at k.simonov@uib.no, or Head of Department Inge Jonassen (inge.jonassen@uib.no, +47 55 58 47 13) or Head of Administration Linda Vagtskjold (linda.vagtskjold@uib.no, +47 55 58 41 70).
For HR related questions contact HR Adviser Karoline Christiansen on +47 55 58 47 70 or karoline.christiansen@uib.no.
Diversity is a strength that enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.
We encourage women to apply. If multiple applicants have approximately equivalent qualifications, the rules pertaining to moderate gender quotas shall apply.
The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.
Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.
The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at all times.
We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. By indicating such circumstances in your application, you may receive favourable consideration. We ensure that at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups is invited for an interview as part of our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity. For further information about the recruitment process, click here.
