Postdoctoral positions in Theoretical Computer Science

The Department of Computer Science (DIKU) at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for several postdoctoral positions in theoretical computer science.

Description of the scientific environment

We are looking for outstanding junior researchers with an innovative mind-set and intellectual curiosity to strengthen and complement the research profile of the Algorithms and Complexity Section at DIKU. This is one of the leading research groups in theoretical computer science in Europe (currently ranked 1st in the EU in algorithms and complexity theory by CSrankings.org), with a strong presence at top-tier conferences like STOC, FOCS, SODA, SoCG, CCC, and NeurIPS. We are part of an exciting environment including the Basic Algorithms Research Copenhagen (BARC) centre (https://barc.ku.dk/), joint with the IT University of Copenhagen, and have extensive collaborations with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and Lund University on the Swedish side of the Øresund Bridge, as well as with our many visitors. We aim to attract top talent from around the world to an ambitious, creative, collaborative, and fun environment. Using the power of mathematics, we strive to create fundamental breakthroughs in algorithms and complexity theory. While our focus is on foundational research, we do have a track record of surprising algorithmic discoveries leading to major industrial applications.

The University of Copenhagen was founded in 1479 and is the oldest and largest university in Denmark. It is often ranked as the best university in Scandinavia and consistently as one of the top places in Europe. Within computer science, it is ranked 2nd in the European Union (post-Brexit) by ShanghaiRanking.

Further information about the Department of Computer Science and the Faculty of Science can be found at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the positions can be made to Mikkel Abrahamsen (miab@di.ku.dk), Rasmus Pagh (pagh@di.ku.dk), Srikanth Srinivasan (srsr@di.ku.dk), or Amir Yehudayoff (amye@di.ku.dk).

Job description

These are full-time research positions. Teaching of advanced courses is encouraged but not required. Travel funding is included, and we are also receiving visitors from all over the world on a regular basis.

The starting date is flexible from April to September 2025, and the intended duration is 1-2 years (subject to negotiation).

The University of Copenhagen is currently expanding strongly in computer science. We expect to have tenure-track openings in theoretical computer science in the coming years, and welcome postdoctoral researchers interested in exploring such opportunities.

Formal requirements

Applicants should have or be about to receive a PhD degree in a subject relevant for the research area, and should have a passionate interest in research. The successful candidate is expected to have a solid background in theoretical computer science and mathematics, and should have a strong research record as witnessed by publications in top conferences such as STOC, FOCS, SODA, SoCG, CCC, NeurIPS or similar, or in journals of a comparable quality.

The working language of the group is English, and knowledge of English is also fully sufficient to navigate life in Denmark in general. It might also be worth mentioning that Denmark routinely scores at the absolute top in rankings of quality of life such as, e.g., the OECD Better Life Index http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff. Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

Application Procedure

The application, in English, should be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

• Curriculum vitae
• Diploma and transcripts of records (PhD and MSc or equivalent)
• List of publications including links to the applicant’s pages at DBLP and Google Scholar
• Brief research statement with description of research so far and future research goals and interests, and with a short description of 3 selected papers
• Copies of the above 3 selected papers

The University wishes for our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

The deadline for applications is 10 January 2025, 23:59 GMT + 1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.