PhD Candidate Algebraic Complexity, Combinatorics and Quantum Information

PhD position algebraic complexity, combinatorics and quantum information

How fast can we multiply large matrices (matrix multiplication exponent)?

How does the independence number of a graph grow under taking large graph powers (Shannon capacity of graphs)?
How efficiently can different types of quantum entanglement be transformed into each other (entanglement distillation)?

These questions, which are deeply related, are central problems in their respective fields: algebraic complexity theory, discrete mathematics and quantum information theory. The project aims to study the above and adjacent questions using methods from diverse fields, including representation theory, algebraic geometry, information theory, discrete mathematics, optimization and real semi-algebraic geometry. A general connecting theme is the study of the behaviour of large powers of objects (like graphs, or tensors). We will develop the theory of this behaviour in abstract and concrete settings, and explore new methods and connections (e.g. graph limits, tensor ranks, tensor networks, dualities). For more information about these research directions (including links to relevant papers and talks), see https://staff.fnwi.uva.nl/j.zuiddam/

We offer much opportunity for (and encourage) collaboration within the department, the nearby national research institute for mathematics and computer science CWI (https://www.cwi.nl/en/ ), and the research center QUSOFT (https://qusoft.org ). The project is funded through the M1 NWO grant "Shannon Capacity, Graph Limits, and Asymptotic Spectra" and/or startup grant of Jeroen Zuiddam.

What are you going to do?

• Conduct research within (or related to) the research areas as outlined above.
• Disseminate your research findings through publication in academic journals and participation in academic conferences.
• Participate in relevant seminars and engage with research collaborations locally and/or internationally.

What do we require?

• Master degree in Mathematics or related field;
• Affinity with any of the involved research fields mentioned in the project description;
• highly motivated;
• fluent in English, both written and spoken;
• experience in teaching is a plus

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €2,770 in the first year to €3,539 (scale P) in the last year. This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities  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;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• 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.

Questions?

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation? Please contact: dr. J. Zuiddam, email [email protected]

About the Faculty of Science and the Korteweg-de Vries Institute for Mathematics

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 7,000, as well as 1,600 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.

The Korteweg-de Vries Instituut voor Wiskunde (KdV Institute) is the mathematical research institute of the Faculty of Science of the Universiteit van Amsterdam. The KdV Institute offers a stimulating scientific environment in which research focuses mainly within the research programmes (1) Algebra, Geometry and Mathematical Physics, (2) Pure, Applied and Numerical Analysis, and (3) Stochastics. It also provides the lecturers and instructors for the mathematics teaching within the Science faculty. The KdV Institute participates in the NWO research clusters GQT, STAR, NDNS+ and DIAMANT and in the Gravity programme NETWORKS. There is formal (and informal) cooperation with the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI), the VU University, and with Eurandom in Eindhoven. KdVI counts about 30 staff members and 40 postdocs and PhD students.

Refs: Faculty of Science: http://www.uva.nl/over-de-uva/organisatie/faculteiten/item/faculteit-der-natuurwetenschappen-wiskunde-en-informatica.html

KdVI: http://kdvi.uva.nl/

Job application

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application. Review of applications will begin on 19 December 2023, and continue until the position is filled; ultimate deadline 3 January 2024. You can apply online by using the button “Apply now”. 

Applications in one .pdf should include:

• a motivation letter and CV, including a list of publications;
• a copy of your Master’s thesis (when available). If not yet available, please include a copy of your Bachelor’s thesis;
• a list of all university courses taken, including a transcript of grades;
• the name and contact details (including email address) of two referees who can provide details about your profile (one of whom should be the main supervisor of your Master thesis).

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: National knowledge security guidelines )

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize 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.

No agencies please