The Advanced Reasoning Group in the Department of Computer Science at Aberystwyth University is interested in hosting Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships working in the area of Randomised Optimisation Heuristics. The candidate would work together with Dr Christine Zarges and Dr Thomas Jansen on a topic related to the theory of these algorithms in combinatorial optimisation.

The Department is one of the longest established Computer Science departments in the UK, ranked Top in Wales for the subject of Computer Science (The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020) and Top 10 in the UK for Teaching Quality for the subject of Computer Science (Good University Guide, The Times and Sunday Times 2022). The Advanced Reasoning group covers all major areas of Computational Intelligence and has a strong expertise in theory and applications of randomised optimisation heuristics such as randomised local search, evolutionary algorithms, and artificial immune systems with a focus on combinatorial optimisation problems. Researchers have worked on classical benchmarks for such algorithms as well as real-world problems in bioinformatics and stringology. They have considered aspects of multi-objective optimisation and optimisation in uncertain environments and recently developed an interest in algorithm selection and configuration. As part of two COST Actions, Improving Applicability of Nature-inspired optimisation by Joining Theory and Practice (CA15140, 2016-2020) and Randomised Optimisation Algorithms Research Network (CA22137, 2023-2027), the group is well connected with leading researchers in Europe and beyond.

We welcome applications for MSCA Post-doctoral fellowships in any of our key research areas. Topics include (but are not limited to):

• Runtime analysis
• Anytime analysis (also known as fixed budget analysis)
• Uncertain environments, e.g., dynamic or noisy optimisation problems
• Permutation-based optimisation problems
• Algorithm selection and configuration

Specific Requirements 

• Candidates must comply with the eligibility criteria for MSCA Post-doctoral fellowships; see https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships and https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/calls/msca-postdoctoral-fellowships-2024 for more information.
• Candidates should have a strong background in the analysis of (stochastic) algorithms and/or probability theory. In-depth knowledge of randomised optimisation heuristics is an advantage but not a requirement.
• Candidates should have very good programming skills.

Selection process 

Informal enquiries can be addressed in the first instance to Dr Christine Zarges (c.zarges@aber.ac.uk).

Formal applications should include your CV and an outline application of no more than 1000 words to europe@aber.ac.uk by 6 July 2024. The proposal should include the principal objectives and deliverables of your planned research project and why you wish to carry this out at Aberystwyth University.

We will inform applicants whose applications we are able to support by 11th July 2024. Selected applicants will be appointed a mentor from the department, who will assist them in preparing the application to the European Commission for the 11 September 2024 deadline.