Open positions

Overview

PhD position (100%, 3+2 years) in TCS

We are excited to announce an open PhD position in the research group Theoretical Computer Science at Goethe University Frankfurt, starting as soon as possible. The research is going to be carried out under the supervision of Holger Dell.

Topics. Possible research topics include, but are not limited to:

• Algebraic graph algorithms,
• Parameterized complexity,
• Fine-grained complexity,
• Graph homomorphisms,
• Theory of machine learning on graphs,
• Mechanistic interpretability of machine learning,
• Theory of reasoning and learning.

Our research group uses rigorous mathematical proofs, not empirical evaluations or simulations.

Tasks.

• Identify and work on fun and fascinating research problems in theoretical computer science and adjacent areas.
• Publish the findings at top-tier venues.
• Support undergraduate and graduate teaching activities. Teaching is important to us, and we use modern, student-centered learning approaches in our classes.
• Pursue further scientific qualification (e.g., doctorate).

We Offer.

• A friendly, open-minded, and supportive social environment.
• Individual guidance and a rich network of collaboration partners.
• Possibility to attend workshops, conferences, and summer schools.
• Flexible working hours and the position is also available part-time.
• Competitive salary (100% E 13, roughly 50k € gross per year)

We Expect.

• Curiosity, ambition, and diligence.
• A finished or almost finished Master’s degree (or equivalent) with good grades in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or similar.
• Proven knowledge in discrete mathematics, probability theory, statistical physics, graph theory, parameterized algorithms, and fine-grained complexity theory.
• Professional level of English in both speaking and writing. (German is not necessary.)

Apply. Please compile your application and e-mail it to tcs-applications@dlist.uni-frankfurt.de. Your application should include as a single PDF file:

• A cover letter, indicating why you are interested in this particular position and what you can contribute in terms of your skills and interests. (This can be a short text and should be as concrete as possible.)
• The names and contact details of one or two references.
• Your curriculum vitae.
• Your transcripts of grades (both Bachelor and Master).

Please also include as separate PDF files:

• Your Bachelor thesis (if available)
• Your Master thesis or a draft (if available)

The application deadline is October 27, 2023. We hope that all interviews will be held via video call in early November.

E13 Position (75%, 16 months) to develop Algo-Learn

We are excited to announce that the Algo-Learn project of the Theoretical Computer Science group at Goethe University Frankfurt is seeking applications for an E13 position to develop an ambitious learning platform in Algorithms and Complexity. The position is commencing as soon as possible. The work is going to be carried out under the supervision of Holger Dell.

Project Overview. The project focuses on designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating exercise generators that cover foundational competencies in theoretical computer science and algorithms. The exercises will facilitate interactive problem-solving activities, providing students with hands-on experiences that can be used for practice and self-assessment. The role entails:

• Leading a team of student assistants who help develop and test the platform.
• Crafting didactic objectives for each exercise generator.
• Implementing these exercise generators using industry-standard tools, such as TypeScript, React, and Tailwind CSS.
• Enhancing the learning experience, e.g., by incorporating gamification elements.
• Ensuring rigorous quality assurance processes.
• Collaboratively evaluating the didactic quality of tasks and the entire platform.

Our aim for the platform is to match the quality and style of Duolingo. See tcs.uni-frankfurt.de/algo-learn for an early prototype.

We Offer.

• A unique opportunity to shape the future of digital education in computer science.
• Collaborative working environment.
• The possibility to work on a fun and meaningful open-source project, while learning software development and leadership skills that are highly sought-after in industry.
• Flexible working hours, with potential for remote work.
• Part-time position with a competitive public-sector salary (75% E13, roughly 37k € gross per year).

We Expect.

• A completed Master’s or doctoral degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Proven knowledge in algorithms and complexity, e.g., through publications, your thesis, or tutoring experience.
• Proficiency in software development. Familiarity with front-end development is a plus.
• Capacity to lead a small team of student research assistants.
• Professional proficiency in English; German skills are a plus but not mandatory.

Apply.

Interested candidates are requested to compile their application and send it to tcs-applications@dlist.uni-frankfurt.de. Your application should include as a single PDF file:

• A cover letter detailing your interest in the role and your relevant expertise.
• Reference contacts: Names and contact details of at least two references.
• Your detailed curriculum vitae.
• Your transcripts of grades (both Bachelor and Master, if available).

Please also include as separate PDF files:

• Your most relevant piece of scientific writing (e.g., publication or thesis), where you have written most of the text.

The application deadline is October 31, 2023. We hope that all interviews will be held via video call in early November.

Two HiWi Positions (up to 40 hours per month) to help develop Algo-Learn

If you are a student at Goethe University Frankfurt, enjoyed ALGO1, and have relevant programming experience, you can apply for a HiWi position to help develop the Algo-Learn platform! It is an open-source project, and you can look at the source code here: github.com/goethe-tcs/algo-learn. We expect that you work from the Bockenheim office for at least 5 hours per week, in the remaining hours you can also work remotely. Please apply by sending an informal email to tcs-applications@dlist.uni-frankfurt.de. Please use “Algo-Learn HiWi” in the subject line, and include your motivation for applying, your grades in DISMOD, ALGO1, and ALGO2, as well as a short description of your relevant programming experience.

Applicants from Abroad

If you’re from abroad, you can apply for scholarships to join us:

• Apply for a postdoc fellowship by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
• Apply for a PhD, postdoc, or visitor fellowship by DAAD. For example:
  • If you’re an undergraduate student from India, you can apply for a DAAD WISE scholarship to join the group for a few months.
  • If you’re an undergraduate student, a graduate student, or a PhD candidate from the USA, Canada, Britain, or Ireland, you can apply for a DAAD RISE scholarship to join the group for a few months.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer any financial support for research internships. However, if you have your own funding, you are welcome to apply for a research internship in our group!