PhD Research Fellow in Algorithms and Extremal Combinatorics
Deadline: 02.08.2026
Publisert
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PhD position
There is a vacancy for a PhD Research Fellow in Algorithms and Extremal Combinatorics at the Department of Informatics. The position is for a fixed-term period of 3 years with the possibility of a 4th year with career-promoting work (e.g. teaching at the Department). The position is subject to financing by the Research Council of Norway (NFR) grant 355137 “From Extremal Combinatorics to Algorithms and Back”.
About the project/work tasks
This project bridges two foundational fields in computer science and mathematics: Theory of Algorithms and Extremal Combinatorics. By integrating these areas, the project seeks to develop innovative computational techniques and theoretical insights that extend the frontiers of both fields. It focuses on leveraging recent breakthroughs that combine algorithmic approaches with classical results in extremal combinatorics. The anticipated outcomes are twofold: advancing state-of-the-art parameterized and approximation algorithms to address challenging computational problems with high efficiency, and formulating new stability theorems in extremal combinatorics, driven by practical algorithmic applications.
For the position, we are looking for a researcher who will contribute to the success and visibility of the project. A successful candidate for this position will conduct research within algorithms and extremal combinatorics, as well as interact with other members of the algorithms research group. We are looking for excellent candidates with a background and experience in one or more of the following areas: graph algorithms, parameterized complexity, approximation algorithms, extremal combinatorics, structural graph theory, and related fields.
Qualifications and personal qualities
Applicants must hold a master's degree or equivalent education in Mathematics (Combinatorics and/or Discrete Mathematics) or Computer Science (Algorithms), or must have submitted his/her master's thesis for assessment prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the master's degree has been awarded.
Competence in Discrete Mathematics and Algorithms is a requirement.
Competence in Extremal Combinatorics and/or Parameterized Complexity is an advantage.
A documented publication record in the leading conferences in computer science, such as STOC, FOCS, SODA, ICALP and ESA, or in highly ranked journals such as TALG, JCTB, Combinatorica or similar leading publication venues, is an advantage.
Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner and demonstrate good collaborative skills.
Applicants must have good written and oral English skills.
Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Research experience, ambitions, and potential will also count when evaluating the candidates.
Special requirements for the position
The University of Bergen is subject to the regulations for the export control system. The regulation will be applied in the processing of the applications.
About the PhD position
About the PhD Research Fellow position
The fellowship will be for a period of 3 years, with the possibility for a 4th year contingent on the qualifications of the candidate and the teaching needs of the department, and will be decided by the Head of Department upon appointment. If a 4th year is granted, one year of career-promoting work associated with teaching, dissemination or research infrastructure/services, will be distributed over the full employment period and thus corresponding to 25% of the time each year.
The employment period may be reduced if you have previously been employed in a qualifying post (e.g. research fellow, research assistant).
About the research training
As a PhD Research Fellow, you must participate in an approved educational programme for a PhD degree within a period of 3 years. The deadline for applying for admission to the PhD programme at The Faculty of Science and Technology is 2 months after you start your position or after the start of the research project that will lead to the PhD degree. It is a condition that you satisfy the enrolment requirements for the PhD programme at the University of Bergen.
We can offer:
a good and professionally stimulating working environment
salary as PhD research fellow (code 1017) in the state salary scale. This constitutes a gross annual salary of NOK 593 700 . Further increases in salary are made according to length of service in the position.
enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
a brief account of the applicant's research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
a detailed account of your qualifications in relation to the listed requirements, and how you meet each criterion. In addition, you should address the mentioned "advantages", as these will be considered when ranking the candidates.
the names and contact information for two referees. One of these should be the main advisor for the master's thesis or equivalent thesis
CV
transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor's and master's degrees. If you have not yet completed your master's degree, please submit a statement from your institution confirming that the master's thesis has been submitted
a list of any works of a scientific nature (publication list with links)
The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge.
General information
For further details about the position, please contact Research Professor Petr Golovach, University of Bergen, on Petr.Golovach@uib.no, or Head of Department Inge Jonassen, University of Bergen, on Inge.Jonassen@uib.no
For HR related questions, contact HR adviser Maria Svåsand on maria.svasand@uib.no or +47 55 58 86 62.
Diversity is a strength that enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.
The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.
Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.
The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at all times.
We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. By indicating such circumstances in your application, you may receive favourable consideration. We ensure that at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups is invited for an interview as part of our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity. For further information about the recruitment process, click here.
Life as a PhD candidate at UiB
Marion Claireaux tells about life and work as a PhD candidate at UiB.
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