3 PhD Positions, Utrecht University, Netherlands (2019)

We seek to fill three 5-years PhD positions (full-time) on Learning Analytics, Collaborative and Social Computing and Parameterized Algorithms. The positions have 70% time allocated for research and 30% for teaching. This allows candidates to start developing a balanced academic career as independent researchers and competent teachers.

The task of a selected PhD candidate is to perform research on one of indicated topics, develop novel algorithms or software, validate them through well-designed experiments, publish the results at international conferences and in scientific journals, and complete a PhD thesis. Furthermore, the PhD candidate will contribute to teaching by supervising tutorial groups and student projects, and by co-teaching courses. This can possibly lead to a basic teaching qualification (BKO).

Topic 1: Learning Analytics
The candidate will join the Software Technology for Learning and Teaching group of Prof. Johan Jeuring to conduct research in the emerging field of Learning Analytics. This project will look into developing technologies, methods and tools that leverage large volumes of data generated by students working with online educational tools and resources to improve learning and teaching. The candidate will create and evaluate such tools under the supervision of Dr. Sergey Sosnovsky.

Topic 2: Collaborative and Social Computing
The candidate will join the Human-Centered Computing group of Prof. Judith Masthoff to conduct research in the field of Collaborative and Social Computing, and the related fields of Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Crowdsourcing. This project will study the development of methods, algorithms and tools to enable large groups of people to collaborate efficiently from a distance on complex and creative tasks, with potential applications on open innovation, product design, gaming, and digital cultural heritage. The candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Ioanna Lykourentzou.

Topic 3: Parameterized Algorithms
The candidate will join the Algorithms and Complexity group of Prof. Hans Bodlaender to conduct research in the field of Parameterized Algorithms. The project aims to discover new algorithmic methods and complexity lower bounds for graph problems, particularly coming from the area of network design. It requires background in techniques from parameterized algorithms, computational complexity, and graph theory. The candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Erik Jan van Leeuwen.

Requirements
Each successful PhD candidate is an excellent student and holds a Master degree in Computer Science, Information Science or a related field. Previous experience in one of the above topics would be a plus. Strong written and oral communication skills in English and interest in research and teaching in information or computer science are required.

Candidates of all nationalities may apply. The university is striving for gender balance in its research and teaching staff; hence, women are especially encouraged to apply for these positions. Applicants are encouraged to mention any personal circumstances that need to be taken into account in their evaluation (parental leave, military service etc.).

For more information please visit the following link:
3 PhD Positions, Utrecht University, Netherlands (2019)