Ph.D. and PostDoc positions in Optimization
at IDSIA, USI-SUPSI, Lugano, Switzerland
The
Algorithms and Complexity Group of IDSIA, USI-SUPSI, Lugano (Switzerland),
opens
·
2 Ph.D. positions
·
1 PostDoc position up to 4 years.
These
positions are supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation project "Computational
methods for integrality gaps analysis", project n. no n° 200021_212929
/ 1.
Inspired by
recent advances in the hybridization of machine learning methods and
heuristic/exact search methods, this project investigates how to challenge
current state of the art algorithms for optimization problems such as traveling
salesman problem, the tree augmentation problem, etc.
The approach
is innovative, and it aims to generate hard-to-solve instances. This will help
to obtain new and better optimization algorithms.
In addition
to optimization algorithms, this project studies how to challenge mathematical
programming relaxations which play a central role in
solving combinatorial optimization problems and analyzing approximation
algorithms. An important concept here is the integrality gap, the maximum ratio
between the solution quality of the integer linear program (ILP) and of its
linear program (LP) relaxation. For many problems the integrality gap of a
natural LP (or SDP) formulation is equal to the approximation ratio of the best
algorithm as well as the hardness of approximation ratio and essentially
represents the inherent limits of the considered relaxation. To some extent integrality gap instances are the “hard” instances
for the class of approaches based on linear programming.
· The 2
Ph.D. positions are for 2+2 years (4 years is expected), and they are supposed
to start in 2023. The gross salary is around 50.000 CHF per year, with low
taxes. The position involves a moderate teaching load (as teaching assistant)
at USI. There is travel support. Candidates should hold (or be close to
obtaining) a master’s degree in computer science or related areas. A solid
background in Algorithms, artificial intelligence, Mathematical Programming is
helpful. A good knowledge of written and spoken English is also required (while
knowledge of Italian is not needed).
· 1 Postdoc position up to 4
years. The gross salary is around 80.000 CHF per year, with low taxes. There
are no teaching duties and there is travel support. Candidates with strong
background in mathematics or theoretical computer science will be considered.
Candidates should hold (or be close to obtaining) a Ph.D. in Computer Science
or related areas and should have a solid publication record. Background in
Algorithms, artificial intelligence, Mathematical Programming would be useful.
There is no specific deadline; the position will be filled as soon as an
eligible candidate with an appropriate background apply.
PostDoc applications can be sent at any
time during the first 3 years of the project.
Ph.D.
applications: applicants
should submit the following documents (written in English)
to Prof. Luca
Gambardella (luca.gambardella@usi.ch) and Prof. Monaldo Mastrolilli
(monaldo@idsia.ch)
·
Curriculum
vitae with publications list (if any) and possibly link to the thesis.
·
List of
exams and their grades obtained during the Bachelor and the Master of Science.
·
List of
two/three references (with e-mail addresses).
·
Motivation
letter, including a brief description of past research experience and future
interests (1-2 pages).
PostDoc applications:
applicants should submit the following documents (written in English)
to Prof. Luca Gambardella (luca.gambardella@usi.ch) and
Prof. Monaldo Mastrolilli (monaldo@idsia.ch).
·
Curriculum
vitae with publications list and possibly link to the thesis.
·
List of
two/three references (with e-mail addresses).
·
Motivation
letter, including a brief description of past research experience and future
interests (1-2 pages).
Applications
that are incomplete, submitted to other addresses, or submitted beyond the
deadline, will be not accepted.
IDSIA offers an international working
environment. Lugano is a tidy and lively town, with a wonderful view on Ceresio lake and mountains
around.
Ticino Canton offers many opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, etc. Local
restaurants serve very good food.
For
any question, do not hesitate to contact:
Prof. Luca Gambardella
https://people.idsia.ch/~luca/
Prof. Monaldo Mastrolilli