Ph.D. position in polynomial optimization for calculus of variations

7 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Czech Technical University in Prague

Department

Department of Control Engineering

Research Field

Mathematics » Applied mathematics
Mathematics » Computational mathematics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Czech Republic

Application Deadline

29 Feb 2024 - 23:00 (Europe/Brussels)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

1 Mar 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

European Union / Next Generation EU

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Applications are open for PhD candidates to join a newly established research group led by Prof. Didier Henrion (https://homepages.laas.fr/henion/ ) at the Czech Technical University in Prague.  These positions are supported by the program OP JAK Roboprox of the Czech Ministry of Education and the European Union.

Our research group which consists of Prof. Martin Kružík (https://staff.utia.cas.cz/kruzik/ ) and Dr. Milan Korda (https://homepages.laas.fr/mkorda/ ) is dedicated to exploring polynomial optimization techniques in applied calculus of variations, in particular in continuum mechanics of solids. Variational methods represent a powerful tool for analysis and numerics of problems in elasticity, plasticity, or viscoelasticity where the notion of energy plays a key role. Their analysis often leads to the global minimization  of nonconvex objective functions, a challenging task.

As a researcher in our team, you will play a pivotal role in developing a novel, mathematically rigorous approach to modeling and analysis in nonlinear mechanics of solids.  Beyond these foundational research goals, there is room for tailoring your focus based on your research interests. Potential avenues of exploration include: dynamical/time-dependent problems in the mechanics of solids, minimizing movements and spatial/temporal discretization. Numerical approaches to minimizing movements play a significant role in these topics because the existence-of-solutions proofs are usually done via semidiscretization in time. This, together with spatial discretization, leads to large-scale but highly structured polynomial optimization problems.  Alternative, mesh-free numerical methods based on semidefinite optimization and the moment–sums of squares hierarchy, are also to be investigated and developed. We expect close cooperation with the Polynomial optimization group at  LAAS-CNRS in Toulouse on theoretical and numerical aspects of polynomial optimization..

Why Prague

• Prague regularly ranks among the top five European cities to live in (cf. the most recent Time Out Magazine index )
• Beautiful mountain landscapes and historic cities nearby
• Numerous exquisite European destinations can be reached from Prague without border restrictions or delays, because of Czechia’s Schengen-area membership
• CTU’s Dejvice Campus features a range of student amenities, such as the National Library of Technology , and a laid-back atmosphere with cafes and other social hangout places.
• CTU’s International Student Club provides assistance with study affairs and organizes leisure time and social activities
• CTU is committed to the principles of inclusiveness and gender equity in accordance with its Gender Equality Plan

Requirements

Research Field

Mathematics » Applied mathematics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications
Skills/Qualifications for Ph.D. candidates

• Motivation to perform excellent research, become part of the world's research communities in your field, and publish in first-tier scientific conferences and journals,
• MSc degree  or equivalent (awarded or to be completed soon)
• Professional proficiency in spoken/written English (knowledge of the Czech language is not required).

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Additional Information
Benefits

We offer:

 

• An appointment for 3 years with an extension of up to 4 years
• Full waiver of tuition fees
• Salary above 50000 CZK gross monthly monthly; check the Numbeo database for the cost of living in Prague
• Full social and health insurance
• 30 days of paid annual leave
• Children’s corner , kindergarten , and elementary school operated by the Czech Technical University in Prague
• Additional benefits such as subsidized meals, yearly benefits supporting recreational and sports activities, as well as health care programs
• Relocation assistance via the EURAXESS Czech Republic office

Selection process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications at:

https://forms.gle/Q7Rxn4R4NZFyWZuY7 [selecting Position Reference abcd]

The application package should contain:

 

• Motivation letter (up to two pages), stating personal goals and research interests,
• Academic curriculum vitae , including descriptions of previous projects you have worked on and/or a list of publications and files of the most important publications, when applicable,
• Contact details for two to three referees who could support your application,
• A transcript of your Master's (required) and Bachelor's (recommended) grades.
• A copy or a link to your M.Sc. thesis,
• Date of your M.Sc. degree award or the expected date of your M.Sc. thesis defense.

 

The ROBOPROX team embraces diversity and inclusion and offers applicants equal opportunities, regardless of their orientation, identity, or background. We particularly welcome female candidates and candidates from underrepresented groups.

Additional comments

For more information:

 

• About the research-related topics: please feel free to contact D idier Henrion at [email protected] and/or Martin Kruzik at [email protected] and/or Milan Korda at [email protected]
• About employment conditions or living in Prague: please consult the comprehensive info provided by EURAXESS Czech Republic or Welcome Service CIIRC CTU .

Website for additional job details

https://www.cvut.cz/en

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Czech Technical University in Prague

Country

Czech Republic

State/Province

Česká republika

City

Prague 2

Postal Code

12000

Street

Karlovo náměstí 13

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

State/Province

Czech Republic

City

Prague 6

Website

https://www.cvut.cz/en

Street

Jugoslávských partyzánů 1580/3

Postal Code

16000

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED