Logic List Mailing Archive

PhD student position on discrete-time models with uncertainty, Liverpool (England), Deadline: 20 Nov 2017

A fully funded PhD position:

Computer-aided methods for predictability of probabilistic discrete-time 
models with uncertainty 
https://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=89958

A fully funded 3-year PhD position is available at the Computer Science 
Department of the University of Liverpool, UK. The Department is the 
world-leading research centre in Computer Science with a particular 
strength in theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence. In 
particular it offers a strong research environment spanning a wide range 
of research topics such as complexity theory and algorithms, distributed 
computing and computer networks, verification and formal methods, automata 
and computability theory, computational game theory, data mining, machine 
learning and natural language processing.

The successful candidate will do research in the areas of verification, 
theory of computation and algorithms designing new methods for 
predictability of probabilistic discrete-time models. The candidate will 
be supervised by Dr. Igor Potapov ( https://www.csc.liv.ac.uk/~igor/ ) and 
will become a member of Automata, Computability and Complexity Theory 
Group at the Department of Computer Science: 
https://intranet.csc.liv.ac.uk/research/complexity/people.html

This PhD project will focus on theoretic limits, algorithm design and 
implementation of new verification procedures. We are interested to 
develop and apply new methods in the area of infectious disease control, 
where the model of disease spreading can be seen as a multilayer 
probabilistic system with complex dynamics and significant level of 
uncertainty.  In particular, we plan to improve predictability of the 
disease spreading events by replacing currently used brute-force 
simulation modelling by more sophisticated state of art computer science 
methods. For example, we aim to reduce the level of uncertainty by 
identifying/computing unknown facts (e.g. more accurate probability ranges 
of events or identifying events with zero probability) and to develop new 
control measures by applying game theoretic approaches for infectious 
disease control problems. As an initial step we can apply iterative 
abstraction refinement using existing model checking systems such as PRISM 
(a tool for formal modelling and analysis random/probabilistic systems) 
and later investigate a possibility of developing own methods to 
compute/evaluate/establish new constraints that currently are not taking 
into account in explicit brute-force simulation modelling.

The position will be based in University of Liverpool?s Department of 
Computer Science and supervised by Dr. Igor Potapov. In addition due to 
interdisciplinary nature of the proposal the position will be 
co-supervised by Dr. Kieran Sharkey (Mathematical Sciences) and Prof. 
Matthew Baylis (Epidemiology and Population Health).

Prior Experience:

We welcome talented and highly motivated candidates with good first degree 
(BSc or MSc) in Computer Science, Mathematics or closely related subject. 
A programming experience and/or previous research experience would be a 
distinct advantage though it not essential. The applicant must have good 
communication skills, both verbal and in writing (English), be 
self-motivated and helpful team member.

How to Apply: Applications should be made formally by following the 
University of Liverpool?s standard process. Details can be found here: 
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/computer-science/postgraduate/phdstudy/applications/ 
Applications should list Dr Igor Potapov as the potential supervisor and 
choose the option "School funded PhD" when asked how you will fund the 
PhD. Applications must contain a cover letter, a curriculum vitae or 
resume, copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, a 1-2 page 
research statement describing how the applicant's qualifications and 
research interests would fit the project, a copy of the applicant's 
bachelor or master's thesis and the names and contact information of 
academic references

Funding Notes:

This PhD studentship will be for 3 years at GBP 20,000 (tax-free) per 
year.

a) If UK/EU this will relate to Full Fees & Maintenance (current fee 
£4,195)

b) If overseas/international applicants this will relate to Full Fee and a 
small maintenance (current fee is £18,900).

Applications are admitted until 20 November 2017, or until a suitable 
candidate is found thereafter. The selected candidate can start this 
position immediately, but the latest starting date for this fully-funded 
PhD position is 1 March 2018. Please send your informal inquiries to Dr. 
Igor Potapov (potapov@liverpool.ac.uk).
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