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 on October 1st, 2024. 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 as follows:

• Your email should use the subject “Application PhD October 2024”
• Your email text should be an informal cover letter, indicating why you are interested in this particular position and what skills you can contribute to the research topics listed above. (This should be a short text and as concrete as possible.)

Please also include as PDF files:

• Your curriculum vitae.
• Your transcripts of grades (both Bachelor and Master).
• Your Bachelor thesis (if available)
• Your Master thesis or a draft (if available)

We will start reviewing applications on June 17th, 2024 until the position is filled. Interviews will be held via video call.

Scholarships and Internships

In addition to the above fully-funded PhD position, there are other ways to join our research group. Note that for the options below, we are unable to offer any direct financial support from our side! You need to apply for the scholarships yourself or bring your own source of funding.

• If you already have a PhD, you can apply for these grants, among others:
  • DFG postdoc fellowship
  • Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship
  • postdoc fellowship by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
  • Emmy Noether group
• If you’re from abroad, you can 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.
• If you have your own source of funding, you are welcome to apply for a research internship in our group.