PhD in Theoretical Computer Science

Faculty/Services: Faculty of Science

Educational level: Master

Function type: PhD position

Closing date: 9 March 2023

Vacancy number: 11185

Do you enjoy working in an interdisciplinary research setting on intellectually challenging questions? The Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC) is looking for an ambitious PhD candidate for the research unit Theoretical Computer Science (https://www.illc.uva.nl/Research/Organisation/Research-Units/TCS).

The unit’s research focuses on various topics in the field of theoretical computer science, including (but not limited to) theory of and algorithmic methods for AI planning, logical and algorithmic foundations of data management and AI, algorithms for modal logics (e.g., model checking epistemic and dynamic logics), and algorithmic game theory, mechanism design and algorithmic fairness.

You can obtain more details about the research unit and the vacancy by contacting the chair of the selection committee, Ronald de Haan, or any of the prospective project supervisors: Gregor Behnke, Balder ten Cate, Malvin Gattinger, or Rebecca Reiffenhäuser.

We specifically encourage women and other underrepresented groups to apply for this position.

What are you going to do?

Tasks and responsibilities:

You will be expected to conduct doctoral research, under the supervision of one of the prospective PhD supervisors: Gregor Behnke, Balder ten Cate, Malvin Gattinger, or Rebecca Reiffenhäuser, and:

• to complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;

• to present research results regularly at international workshops and conferences, and to publish them in conference proceedings and journals;

• to participate in and to contribute to the organisation of research activities and events at the institute, such as workshops and colloquia.

PhD candidates at the ILLC furthermore are expected to contribute to the institute’s educational mission, e.g., by working as teaching assistants for courses in their area of expertise and by assisting with the supervision of student research projects.

What do you have to offer?

Your experience and profile

• A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as Logic, (Theoretical) Computer Science or Mathematics.

• An excellent academic track record.

• A serious interest in pursuing fundamental research.

• Good writing and presentation skills.

• Good social and organisational skills.

• Full professional proficiency in spoken and written English.

Please note that knowledge of the Dutch language is not required for this position, nor is it required for being able to live in Amsterdam. However, if you wish, as a PhD candidate at the ILLC you will have the opportunity to attend Dutch language classes.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is September 2023, and the exact starting date is to be discussed. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,541 to € 3,247 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD candidate is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;

• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;

• a complete educational program for PhD students;

• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;

• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;

• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;

• partly paid parental leave;

• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;

• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;

• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;

• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Institute for Logic, Language and Computation is a research institute at the UvA in which researchers from the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Humanities collaborate. Its central research area is the study of fundamental principles of encoding, transmission and comprehension of information. Research at ILLC is interdisciplinary, and aims at bringing together insights from various disciplines concerned with information and information processing, such as logic, mathematics, computer science, linguistics, natural language processing, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, music cognition, and philosophy.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact the chair of the selection committee, Ronald de Haan (r.dehaan@uva.nl), or any of the prospective project supervisors: Gregor Behnke (g.behnke@uva.nl), Balder ten Cate (b.d.tencate@uva.nl), Malvin Gattinger (b.r.m.gattinger@uva.nl), or Rebecca Reiffenhäuser (r.e.m.reiffenhauser@uva.nl).

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 09 March 2023 (end of day, Amsterdam time).

Applications should include the following information (all files should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• a detailed CV;

• a cover letter of at most two pages, in which you specify the motivation for your application, and in which you specify a prospective supervisor from the list of possible supervisors;

• a list of all Master-level courses you have taken, with an official transcript of grades;

• a link to a writing sample available online, such as a Master’s thesis, a term paper, or a publication (in case of joint authorship, please clearly indicate your own contribution);

• the names and email addresses of two or (at most) three people we can contact for letters of reference for you.

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

The interviews will be held inApril.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451, reach out to our HR Department directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.