The Algorithms group at the IT University of Copenhagen welcomes applications for a post-doc position with focus on mathematical and algorithmic properties of graph homomorphisms. The position is funded by the ERC Starting Grant project “Counting (with) homomorphisms” (COUNTHOM) led by Radu Curticapean. The starting date is from 1st of March 2025.

The IT University’s vision is to create and share knowledge that is profound and leads to groundbreaking information technology and services for the benefit of humanity. The Computer Science Department seeks to conduct research and education that are both foundational and have impact on industry and society.

Project
The ERC Starting Grant project “Counting (with) homomorphisms” (COUNTHOM) is funded by the European Research council and investigates exciting connections between combinatorial problems: It turns out that fundamental computational problems that have previously been studied independently can be viewed as one and the same problem from the right perspective! This generalizing perspective is made possible by so-called homomorphisms, which are structure-preserving mappings. In this project, we use homomorphisms to gain a deeper understanding and thereby develop optimal algorithms for such computational problems.

The ideal candidate

• Has a solid background in the mathematical and algorithmic theory of graph homomorphisms and a general interest in graph theory, algorithms and complexity.
• Is self-motivated and enthusiastic about carrying out research.
• Can work independently as well as in a group.
• Has good English communication skills.

The tasks associated with the position include

• To independently carry out research in the project.
• To publish scientific papers and present them at international venues.

Research environment
The qualified applicant will join the Algorithm’s group at ITU and will be supervised by associate professor Radu Curticapean. The algorithms group at ITU carries out research in theoretical computer science and algorithm engineering. We aim for academic excellence and collegial respect. Located in one of the most-livable cities in the world, we provide good working conditions, and a down-to-earth research environment. Copenhagen has a good educational system, a rich cultural life, universal healthcare, good childcare, and well-functioning infrastructure. Copenhagen is among the world’s most livable cities according to the Economist Global Livability Index.

General information
The IT University of Copenhagen (ITU) is a teaching and research-based tertiary institution concerned with information technology (IT) and the opportunities it offers. The IT University has more than 160 full-time Faculty members. Research and teaching in information technology span all academic activities which involve computers including computer science, information and media sciences, humanities and social sciences, business impact and the commercialization of IT.

About the Computer Science Department
The ITU Computer Science Department conducts research in all aspects of computer science and data science, including algorithms, databases, government IT, machine learning, natural language processing, network science, optimization, programming languages, quantum computing, robotics, security, semantics, software engineering, software verification, type theory, and more, as well as a range of applications. The department has 55 permanent faculty, 65 PhDs and postdocs, as well as other staff. It is responsible for the IT University's most technical education programs BSc Software Development, BSc Data Science, MSc Computer Science, MSc Data Science, and MSc Software Design.

Working at the IT University
Located in modern architecture, a 6-minute metro ride from the center of Copenhagen, the IT University offers an informal working environment, a varied everyday life, and a highly motivated, ambitious, competent, and diverse international faculty, with PhD degrees from 17 different countries. The IT University is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself in actively and successfully pursuing an improved gender balance among students and among faculty.

Working in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has a solid educational system, a rich cultural life, universal healthcare, good childcare, and well-functioning infrastructure. Copenhagen is among the world’s most livable cities according to the Economist Global Liveability Index. Living and working in Copenhagen will be a good experience for you and your family.

Salary and terms of employment
Appointment and salary will be in accordance with the Ministry of Taxation’s agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and job structure for academic staff at Universities.

Qualified applicants will be employed at the ITU University for a period of 2 years.

Qualification Requirements
The following qualifications are required:

• Candidates should have a PhD degree (or equivalent) conferred until the starting date of the employment

Employment as postdoc is a temporary position for up to 4 years at the same University.

Application
The application should be in English and should include:

• A motivated application (cover letter), including a detailed description of your qualifications and brief statements of research and teaching plans
• A full CV, including name, address, phone number, e-mail, previous and present employment and academic background
• Documentation of academic degrees (copy of degree certificates etc.)
• Relevant scientific publication or/and PhD thesis written by the applicant
• Documentation of pedagogical experience and teaching record within one or more of the teaching areas listed for the position

Applications without the above-mentioned required documents will not be assessed.

The applicant will be accessed according to the Appointment Order from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of 13 March 2012.

The IT University may use shortlisting in connection to the recruitment process. In case of shortlisting, the Chair of the hiring committee selects applicants for assessment in consultation with the hiring committee after the application deadline. All applicants are notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. The shortlisting of candidates for assessment is based on the criteria in the job posting.

Further information
Questions about the positions can be directed to Associate Professor, Radu Curticapean, IT University of Copenhagen, racu@itu.dk.
Questions related to the application procedure may be directed to HR, hr@itu.dk.

Application procedure
You can only apply for this position through our e-recruitment system. Apply by pressing the button "Apply for position" in the job announcement on our website.

Please note that all application material will be destroyed after the assessment.

Application deadline: 31st of October 2024, at 23:59 CET.

Applications/enclosures received at ITU after the application deadline will not be taken into consideration. If you submit an application, it is your responsibility to ensure that it arrives before the deadline so please allow sufficient time for upload of publications and other documents.

At The IT University of Copenhagen we have an international environment and view diversity as a valuable resource. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive working environment for all our employees and encourage all qualified applicants, regardless of age, gender, religious affiliation, or ethnic background to apply for the position.