Logic List Mailing Archive

PhD position in Algorithmic Game Theory, Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Deadline: 30 Sep 2012

The Algorithms, Combinatorics and Optimization Group (PNA1) at the Centrum 
Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) in Amsterdam invites applications for a

PhD position (four years) in Algorithmic Game Theory.

Founded in 1946, the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) is the national 
research institute for mathematics and computer science in the 
Netherlands. It is located in the Science Park Amsterdam and is part of 
the "Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research" (NWO). The 
institute is internationally focused and renowned for its high quality 
research. Over 160 researchers conduct pioneering research and share their 
acquired knowledge with society. More than 30 researchers are employed as 
professors at universities. The institute has generated twenty-one 
spin-off companies.

CWI maintains excellent relations with industry and the academic world, 
both in the Netherlands as well as abroad. The library and computing 
facilities are first-rate. CWI's non-scientific services include career 
planning, training and courses, and assistance in finding housing.

The research group "Algorithms, Combinatorics and Optimization" in the 
cluster "Probability, Networks and Algorithms" has a vacancy for a 
talented

**PhD student**

on the subject Social Interactions in Games.


Research group:

The Algorithms, Combinatorics and Optimization Group (PNA1) performs 
fundamental research, focusing on the development of new efficient 
algorithmic methods for problems in combinatorics, optimization and 
algorithmic game theory. The group's research is motivated by real-world 
applications. The techniques that the group develops make use of tools 
from mathematics, operations research, computer science, game theory and 
logic.

The PhD candidate will be part of the Algorithmic Game Theory Group within 
PNA1, which focuses on interdisciplinary research at the interface of game 
theory, optimization and algorithms.

Job description:

Many real-world applications are complex and distributed in nature in that 
they involve a multitude of independent decision makers who attempt to 
achieve their own goals. It is well-known that strategic choices often 
result in outcomes that are inefficient for the society as a whole. 
Algorithmic game theory has shed new light on various aspects of such 
situations of strategic interaction. However, most studies assume that the 
decision makers correspond to "isolated" entities who make their choices 
based on purely selfish incitements. This assumption is overly simplistic: 
Decision makers are often motivated by other-regarding preferences such as 
altruism, spite or fairness and typically exhibit complex social 
relationships. The goal of the project is to gain an accurate 
understanding of such social interactions in games.

Relevant research aspects of the PhD project include (but are not limited 
to) inefficiency of equilibria, complexity of games, algorithmic mechanism 
design, etc.

The PhD candidate will be given the possibility to pursue part of her/his 
studies abroad, to attend international doctoral schools, conferences and 
workshops, and to participate in the national PhD programme organized by 
the LNMB (Dutch Network on the Mathematics of Operations Research).

Requirements:

The PhD candidate is required to have a master's degree in mathematics or 
computer science and should have an excellent background in combinatorial 
optimization and algorithms. Ideally, the candidate has already worked in 
the area of algorithmic game theory and demonstrated the ability to pursue 
independent research. Candidates are expected to have an excellent command 
of English, and good academic writing and presentation skills.

Terms and conditions:

The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labor 
Agreement for Research Institutes ("CAO-onderzoeksinstellingen"). 
Moreover, CWI offers attractive working conditions, including flexible 
scheduling and help with housing for expat employees. CWI also offers 
excellent and flexible terms of employment, including an employee pension 
fund.

The gross monthly salary, for an employee on a full time basis, is 2,057 
Euro during the first year and increases to 2,636 Euro over the four year 
period. Expats may apply for a profitable tax ruling, which, if approved 
by the tax authorities, would mean not having to pay taxes over 30% of 
your income.

Information:

Additional information can be obtained from Prof. dr. Guido Schaefer, 
email g.schaefer@cwi.nl. Please see also our website 
http://www.cwi.nl/research-groups/algorithms-combinatorics-and-optimization.

Application:

Please send your application before September 30, 2012 to: pd@cwi.nl.

Applications should include a detailed CV, a motivation letter, a list of 
your M.SC. courses and grades, a copy of your master thesis, and a list of 
publications (if applicable). Please also mention at least two references.


Additional information about working at CWI can be seen in the video "A 
Fundamental Difference": http://www.cwi.nl/general/movies-about-cwi or 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e-VYBdBKis