PhD Positions
Several PhD positions in theoretical computer science and discrete mathematics are available at the School of Computer Science of Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Charles University, Prague. The positions are in algorithms, algorithmic game theory, cryptography, computational complexity, combinatorics, graph theory, optimization, and networks. They are hosted at the Computer Science Institute of Charles University, Department of Applied Mathematics, and Department of Theoretical Computer Science and Mathematical Logic. Applicable advisors are:
- Martin Balko (combinatorics and discrete geometry)
- Ondřej Čepek (knowledge representation languages, knowledge compilation, Boolean functions)
- Zdeněk Dvořák (graph theory and algorithms)
- Andreas Feldmann (algorithms and parameterized complexity)
- Jirka Fink (combinatorial optimization and artificial intelligence)
- Andrew Goodall (combinatorics and graph theory)
- Petr Gregor (algorithms and combinatorics)
- Pavel Hubáček (cryptography and computational complexity)
- Jan Hubička (combinatorics and network science)
- Vít Jelínek (combinatorics and graph theory)
- Petr Kolman (approximation algorithms)
- Michal Koucký (algorithms and computational complexity)
- Martin Koutecký (algorithms and computational social choice)
- Jan Kratochvíl (graph theory and computational complexity)
- Jan Kynčl (discrete geometry and combinatorics)
- Martin Loebl (combinatorics, optimization, and algorithmic game theory)
- Torsten Mütze (combinatorics and algorithms)
- Jaroslav Nešetřil (combinatorics and network science)
- Irena Penev (combinatorics and graph theory)
- Jiří Sgall (algorithms and computational complexity)
- Robert Šámal (combinatorics and graph theory)
- Hans Raj Tiwary (polyhedral combinatorics and extension complexity)
- Mykhaylo Tyomkyn (combinatorics and graph theory)
- Pavel Valtr (combinatorics and computational geometry)
- Pavel Veselý (algorithms and data structures)
Some of the current research projects that students can participate in:
- Algorithmic, structural and complexity aspects of geometric configurations (Czech Science Foundation, 2021-2023), advisors: Valtr, Balko, Kynčl
- Boolean Representation Languages Complete for Unit Propagation (Czech Science Foundation), advisors: Čepek
- H2020-MSCA-RISE CoSP: Combinatorial Structures and Processes (EU Horizon 2020), advisors: Loebl
- CrisDis: Critical Distribution System (Czech Ministry of Interior; Pandemics Call), advisors: Loebl, Fink
- DYNASNET: Dynamics and Structure of Networks (European Research Council), advisors: Dvořák, Hubička, Nešetřil, Šámal
- EPAC: Efficient approximation algorithms and circuit complexity (Czech Science Foundation), advisors: Feldmann, Hubáček, Koucký, Koutecký, Sgall, Veselý
- ERC-CZ LL2005: Algorithms and complexity within and beyond bounded expansion (Czech Ministry of Education), advisors: Dvořák, Šámal
- Graph Covers: Symmetries and Computational Complexity (Czech Science Foundation), advisors: Fiala, Kratochvíl, Nedela (ZCU Plzen)
- Graphs and their algebraic properties (Czech Science Foundation), advisors: Goodall, Jelínek, Šámal
- Ramsey theory in the context of group theory, model theory and topological dynamics (Czech Science Foundation), advisors: Hubička
- Structures and algorithms in highly symmetric graphs (Czech Science Foundation), advisors: Gregor, Mütze
Applications are invited from candidates who have a strong background in computer science and/or mathematics and complete their MSc. degree by summer 2021.
Starting date: Fall 2021.
Funding:
For the study's usual duration, the School guarantees a total net income of at least 22,500 CZK/month to doctoral students. Funding from the second year on is conditioned on the PhD candidate's good progress towards his/her degree based on a yearly evaluation of doctoral students. The income consists of:
- Base scholarship: All PhD students will receive for the 4-year duration of their studies a state-guaranteed stipend of net 11,000 CZK/month, which increases to net 12,500 CZK/month in the second year and finally to net 14,500 CZK/month after passing the state doctoral exam (commonly during the second year of the studies).
- School and grant supplements: Additionally to the base scholarship, the School of Computer Science guarantees to the students net 13,000 CZK/month during the first year and net 10,000 CZK/month during the second, third, and fourth years based on employment as a teaching and research assistant. The supplement from the School can be further increased by funding from a research project of the student's advisor.
Students have the possibility to apply for additional funds for salary and travel at the Grant Agency of Charles University.
PhD students can take advantage of subsidized meals, discounted public transport, the possibility of staying in student dormitories, and free "Czech as foreign language" classes. The national health insurance scheme covers our doctoral students. There are no tuition or fees for PhD students. The price level in Prague can be estimated at Numbeo.
Application:
The application should indicate the area of interest and possible advisors and contain:
- a short letter of motivation (research statement),
- a professional CV,
- a letter of recommendation,
- transcripts of all courses and grades,
- copies of academic certificates (Bc and MSc, if available),
- other optional materials, e.g., copies of English language certificates if available, published papers, etc.
Application deadline: February 15, 2021.
The application and a letter of recommendation should be sent electronically to positions@iuuk.mff.cuni.cz. The referees can send their letters directly to the indicated email. In both cases, make sure that the name of the applicant is contained in the subject. Inquiries about the positions can be directed to koucky@iuuk.mff.cuni.cz or the appropriate advisors.