Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica
Founded in 1946, the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) is the national research institute for mathematics and computer science in the Netherlands. It is located in the Science Park Amsterdam and is part of the “Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research” (NWO). The institute is internationally focused and renowned for its high quality research. Over 160 researchers conduct pioneering research and share their acquired knowledge with society. More than 30 researchers are employed as professors at universities. The institute has generated twenty-one spin-off companies.

CWI maintains excellent relations with industry and the academic world, both in the Netherlands as well as abroad. Following their research careers at CWI, young staff members find employment in these sectors, for example in spin-off companies that are based on research results from CWI. Library and computing facilities are first-rate. CWI's non-scientific services to its personnel include career planning, training and courses, and assistance in finding housing.

The research group "Networks and Optimization" has a vacancy for a talented

PhD student,

in the research project "Mixed Integer Nonlinear Optimization" (MINO).

Research Group

The Networks and Optimization Group performs fundamental research, focusing on the development of new efficient algorithmic methods for problems in combinatorics, optimization, and algorithmic game theory. The group’s research is motivated by real-world applications. The techniques that the group develops make use of tools from mathematics, operations research, computer science, game theory and logic.

Job description

The research project is part of the Initial Training Network (ITN) MINO funded under the Marie Curie 7th Framework programme. The MINO ITN is an interdisciplinary research and training network of 11 full academic partners, 1 associated academic partner and 3 industrial companies. All partners are internationally recognized to be leading experts in the field of Mathematical Optimization.

The job is a full-time position for a PhD position (Early Stage Researcher) in the field of Mathematical Optimization, with special emphasis on the development, analysis and implementation of algorithms for polynomial   optimization problems. The project focuses on the design and analysis of efficient algorithms for nonlinear optimization problems with polynomial inequality constraints. This model captures a wide variety of hard optimization problems and may incorporate integer variables using polynomial equations. The objective is to develop new methods and algorithms using algebraic techniques (sums of squares of polynomials in real algebraic geometry and moment theory) combined with linear and semidefinite programming. Areas of application may include combinatorial molecular and systems biology, and logistics. The work will be carried out in cooperation with other research groups within CWI and other partners of the MINO network, at Tilburg University and abroad.

Requirements

The PhD candidate is required to have a master's degree in (applied) mathematics, a solid background in nonlinear programming, discrete optimization and algebra, as well as software development skills and interest in the computational aspects of mathematical optimization. Candidates are expected to have an excellent command of English, and good academic writing and presentation skills.

Terms and conditions

The appointment is full time, fixed term for three years. There are strict eligibility rules associated with the recruitment of Early Stage Researchers in Marie Curie Initial Training Networks.

Career: At the time of recruitment, the applicants must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers. Research experience (full-time equivalent) is measured from the date when an ESR applicant obtained the degree which formally entitled him/her to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate was envisaged.

Mobility: Trans-national mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) is an essential requirement of Marie Curie Training Networks. At the time of recruitment by the host organization, researchers (ESR) must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc) in the country of the host institution for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date.

Secondments: Applicants must also be prepared to be seconded for a total duration of up to nine months to other network partners to carry out part of their research work.

Language: A good knowledge of the English language is required, fluent speaking and writing, and it will be evaluated during the selection process.

The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labor Agreement for Research Institutes ("CAO-onderzoeksinstellingen"). The remuneration will be compliant with the rules of the ITN-PEOPLE, as foreseen in the People Work Programme 2012, Annex III.

Moreover CWI offers attractive working conditions, including flexible scheduling and help with housing for expat employees. CWI also offers excellent and flexible terms of employment, including an employee pension fund.

Information
Additional information can be obtained from Prof.dr. Monique Laurent, email monique@cwi.nl.

Application

For details on how to apply please see the call for applications.

As explained there, please upload your application before February 16, 2013 online via

https://www.easychair.org/account/signin.cgi?conf=mino2013

Additional information about working at the CWI can be seen at the video “A Fundamental Difference” and “Room for Women”.