The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) are looking for:

Postdoc on Logic, Structures and Homotopy in Optimisation

The Theory cluster at the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is seeking candidates for a postdoc (1.0 FTE) position, working on category theoretical abstractions of optimisation theory and algorithms, and on higher categories for homotopy optimisation.
Optimisation is central to modern computing, but conventional representations with explicit indices and the focus on individual tensors, functions, etc. hinders the understanding fundamental aspects of optimisation processes. The aim of this project is to develop abstract and compositional reasoning techniques for properties of optimisation processes using category theory, and to advance the homotopy optimisation method using higher category theory. Homotopy optimisation can be used to find more efficient optimisation algorithms, to couple optimisation with experimental and other parameters to avoid convergence to local minima or learning of paths between optima. This is an exciting direction in optimisation, which crucially needs structural techniques to further its development. We aim to begin the project in October 2024.

Your Profile
If you find this project interesting, then please consider applying if you think that you fit the following. Ideally, you either have a strong background in optimisation algorithms and their mathematical underpinnings in terms of vector spaces, manifolds, etc., and would be willing to learn about structural methods from category theory, homotopy theory and higher category theory. Alternatively, you have a strong background in (higher) category theory and homotopy theory, combined with some understanding of algorithms and the willingness to dive into the subleties of optimisation algorithms. Your profile should be witnessed by an appropriate academic track record.

Moreover, you

• hold a PhD degree in a relevant area (Computer Science or Mathematics);
• have a strong publication record;
• are able to collaborate with scientific peers inside and outside your own research area;
• like challenging research that may break new grounds by bringing together previously unconnected areas;
• have an academic, creative, and open mindset;
• have a good to excellent proficiency in English;
• either live and are officially registered as resident in The Netherlands, or are willing to relocate upon starting the position;
• can start working on the project in October 2024, although an earlier starting time is definitely possible and a later start may be agreed upon in consultation.

Key responsibilities
Within this position it is expected that you will

• conduct research within the scope of the project and publish in relevant academic venues and journals;
• collaborate closely with both the Semantics, Types and Logic group of Henning Basold in the Theory cluster, and the Optimization and Learning group of Hao Wang in the Natural Computing cluster at LIACS;
• co-supervise BSc, MSc and PhD students;
• engage in activities of the group, cluster, and the institute.
  

Research at LIACS
The Leiden Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of one of Europe’s biggest bio-science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in the core areas of Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, and Data Science, and in the interdisciplinary areas of Business, Creative Intelligence, and Bioinformatics. We are a highly international place to do research, committed to excellence in a supportive and inclusive environment. We value fun, inclusivity, openness, and teamwork, ensuring that excellence and enjoyment go hand in hand. At LIACS, we balance teaching and research, offering a clear and inviting career path for young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow.

Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time position as postdoctoral researcher commensurate with your level of experience, initially for one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research and personal compatibility, the appointment can be extended further to two more years. The salary ranges, depending on qualifications and experience, from from € 3.226,- to € 5.090,- gross per month following the pay scale 10 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development, and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses, we have set up a dual career program. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Diversity and inclusivity
Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community that enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality teaching and research are inclusive.

Information
Inquiries and requests for more details can be made to dr. Henning Basold, email: h.basold@liacs.leidenuniv.nl.
If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl.

Application
Please submit online your application no later than 30 August 2024 via the blue button in our application system. Please ensure that you attach the following additional documents, quoting the vacancy number:

• A short cover letter (1 page) detailing your motivation to apply for the position,
• A brief description of your research plan (maximally two A4 pages),
• A full CV including a list of publications, eventual grant acquisition and community services, and relevant links to your profiles on research sites like Google Scholar,
• Links to key publications (maximally 5) and Ph.D. thesis when appropriate,
• The names and addresses of two persons that can be contacted for reference (who have agreed to be contacted).