Postdoctoral Fellow in Applications of Complex Network Theory (NETCO-PD)

The research project NETWORKS is looking for 6 international postdoctoral fellows in mathematics, computer science and quantum computing. Are you interested in the stochastics and algorithmics behind network problems? And would you like to be part of this project with its many activities? Then we invite you to apply for one of these positions.

What are you going to do?

Research in NETWORKS focuses on stochastics (including queueing theory, random graphs, stochastics processes, stochastic optimization) and algorithmics (including computational geometry, graph theory and algorithms, combinatorial optimization, quantum algorithms, algorithmic game theory) for network problems.

The core of your appointment will be to perform research, in collaboration with and coached by your supervisor(s). NETWORKS offers an excellent environment for research. In addition to the main supervisor, you will be assigned a second supervisor who brings in additional expertise. Supervisors work very closely with their postdoctoral fellows and PhD students, to maximize the quality of the research. You will also have a generous travel budget, allowing you to visit international conferences, workshops, summer schools and research visits to universities outside The Netherlands.

NETWORKS offers an extensive and inspiring training programme and several other NETWORKS events that you will participate in. The research and training program of NETWORKS offers you excellent opportunities for a future career, be it in academia, government, or industry. NETWORKS graduates found jobs at top academic institutions, both in and outside Europe (including MIT, Georgia Tech, Warwick University, and Max-Planck-Institut für Informatik), at major multinationals in the high-tech and financial industry (including Microsoft, Google, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and ABN-AMRO), and at medium-size companies and start-ups.

For this specific position with Michel Mandjes at the University of Amsterdam we are seeking a postdoctoral fellow interested in studying mathematical network models and their applications. Potential application areas cover the social sciences (opinion dynamics, polarisation phenomena), economics (systemic risk, resilience) and civil engineering (road traffic models, congestion). The precise angle is still open: the research topic chosen could focus on gaining insight into qualitative behaviour (e.g. polarisation versus consensus), or rather in the design and control of networks (e.g. load balancing in transport networks). Depending on the specific topic chosen, prof. Frank den Hollander or prof. Drona Kandhai could be involved in the supervision.

Extensive information about the research within NETWORKS, the programme and its activities and your position as a postdoctoral fellow is described in the Information Package: https://www.thenetworkcenter.nl/uploaded_files/inlineitem/1Networks_Cofund_Infopackage_3rdcall_postdocs_2023.pdf

What do you have to offer?

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated applicants with a background in mathematics (in particular stochastics) and an affinity for computer science, or with a background in computer science (in particular algorithms) with affinity for mathematics. You have strong analytical skills, are creative, are open to collaborations with a wide range or partners, and are motivated to do top-level research in an interdisciplinary setting. 

The evaluation criteria are:

• Quality of your research proposal (50%):
• the originality and ambition of the project, the extent to which it is feasible, appropriate consideration of inter- and multi-disciplinary aspects;
• the approach and proposed research methodology, feasibility of proposed time-scale;
• societal use, exploitation and dissemination.
• Your experience as a researcher and your skills (40%):
• track record in performing research, knowledge and experience, evidence of creative thinking, independence and leadership potential;
• verbal and oral communication skills (in English), potential for rapidly gaining new skills.
• Commitment to the project, open mindedness and motivation (10%).

Eligibility criteria

At the starting date of your employment as a postdoctoral fellow in the NETWORKS COFUND program, you should be in possession of a PhD degree or obtain one within three months. We focus on training researchers in the early stages after their PhD, so you have at most three years full-time post-PhD-degree research experience at the date of recruitment.

Moreover, you meet the mobility requirement of the MSCA, which encourages transnational, intersectoral and interdisciplinary mobility.  The mobility requirement is: You may not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than twelve monthsin  the three years immediately before the call deadline.

Our offer

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 24 months. The preferred starting date is flexible but not later than 1 January 2024. The UFO profile Researcher 4 is applicable.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,960 to € 4,670 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here .

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

Institute/Department

The NETWORKS project is a collaboration of world-leading researchers from four institutions in The Netherlands – TU Eindhoven , University of Amsterdam , Leiden University and the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) – focusing on the stochastics and algorithmics behind network problems. It offers a highly stimulating research environment and an extensive training program for PhD students and postdoctoral fellows from all over the world.

More information about NETWORKS can be found on the website www.thenetworkcenter.nl

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Prof. Michel Mandjes, [email protected]

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 31 March 2023.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file ):

• A motivation letter
• A proposal (about 3-5 pages) with your research idea and main aim(s), briefly describing approach, methodology, challenges, originality, time table, required training, ethical issues, and potential societal use.
• A CV, a copy of your PhD degree and your PhD thesis.
• The names and email addresses of up to three references, who will be contacted by us for recommendation letters.

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

The interviews will be held in the course of 15-30 April 2023.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451, reach out to our HR Department  directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.

No agencies please.