Belgium Job Openings

KU Leuven

PostDoc in Certified Combinatorial Optimization

Leuven

FULL TIME

November 26, 2024

Post Doc in Certified Combinatorial Optimization
(ref. BAP-2024-727)
Laatst aangepast: 26/11/24

We are looking for an excellent researcher to strengthen Bart Bogaerts' research group on Knowledge Representation and Combinatorial
Optimization, which is part of the Declarative Languages and Artificial Intelligence (DTAI) section of the department of Computer Science of KU Leuven.
We are particularly looking for someone who can strengthen the recently-launched research line on proof logging (also known as certifying
algorithms) for combinatorial optimization, and in particular the Certi FOX project.
In this line of project, the goal is to develop methods and algorithms that can guarantee with 100% certainty that the answers produced by a
combinatorial optimizer are correct. The project page (see the link below) contains more information on this research direction.
Website van de eenheid
Responsibilities
The field of combinatorial optimization is concerned with developing generic tools that take a declarative problem description and
automatically compute an optimal solution to it. Often, users specify their problem in a high-level, human-understandable formal language.
This specification is first translated into a low-level specification a solver understands and subsequently solved. Thanks to tremendous
progress in solving technology, we can now solve a wide variety of NP-hard (or worse) problems in practice. Moreover, these tools are
increasingly used in real-life applications, including high-value and life-affecting decisions. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that they be
completely reliable. The central objective of the Certi FOX project is to develop methodologies and tools with which we can guarantee with 100%
certainty that the right problem has been solved correctly.
To achieve this ambitious objective, we will build on recent breakthroughs in proof logging, where solvers do not just output an answer,
but also a machine-verifiable proof (or certificate) of correctness. However, a major limitation of current techniques is that correctness is
not proven relative to the human-understandable specification written by the user, but relative to the low-level translation that the solver
receives, meaning that there is no guarantee that the solver is solving the original problem. In this project, we will investigate end-to end
guarantees of correctness. When successful, this will have a major impact on the way combinatorial optimization software is developed,
evaluated, and used: the proofs produced will enable (1) debugging, since proofs contain detailed information about where bugs occurred,
(2) auditability, since proofs can be stored and checked by an independent third party, and even (3) rigorous evaluation of algorithmic
improvements.

The successful candidate will perform research that advances the state-of-the-art in proof logging in general, and in particular focus on
bringing proof logging to human-understandable language. More information on the research topic can be found on the project website [5].
The selected candidate is in this context expected to take up some mentoring responsibilities towards Ph D students and MSc students
working on the project.
Profile
  • Candidates should hold (before start-date of the position) a Ph D degree in computer science (or a closely related field)
  • Proficiency in English is required.

Research-wise, there are two potential profiles that would strengthen our team:
  • Profile 1: a candidate with strong expertise in proof assistants (Lean/Coq/HOL/...) with an interest in combinatorial optimization.
    Such a candidate would be responsible for the development of formally verified version of the proof checkers in the Certi FOX project
  • Profile 2: a candidate with strong expertise in combinatorial optimization algorithms (e.g., SAT solving, constraint solving, Max SAT,
    SAT modulo theories, Answer Set Programming, (Mixed) Integer Programming, ...).

Offer
  • We offer a fully-funded postdoc position, initially for 12 months, but renewable and with expected duration of two or three years.
  • The position comes with a competitive salary (academic salaries in Belgium are very competitive) or an equivalent scholarship, as well as with travel budget.
  • This is a pure research position, but it also comes with the possibility to participate in advanced teaching (while this is encouraged, it is not mandatory).

The start is foreseen to be around the summer of 2025, but this is negotiable.
Project webpage
Tutorials on proof logging
DTAI webpage

Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Bart Bogaerts, tel.: +32 16 32 79 26, mail: bart.bogaerts@kuleuven.be.
You can apply for this job no later than February 06, 2025 via the online application tool

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Heb je een vraag over de online sollicitatieprocedure? Raadpleeg onze veelgestelde vragen of stuur een e-mail naar solliciteren@kuleuven.be
Solliciteer voor deze functie

av_timer Tewerkstellingspercentage: Voltijds
location_city Locatie : Leuven
timer Solliciteren tot en met:
06/02/2025 23:59 CET

bookmarks Tags: Computerwetenschappen
New Job Alerts
Sandoz

Business Performance & Insights Manager

Vilvoorde

FULL TIME

December 3, 2024

View Job Description
Devoteam Belgium

Databricks Data Engineer

Machelen

FULL TIME

December 3, 2024

View Job Description
Sandoz

Field Medical Manager

Vilvoorde

FULL TIME

December 3, 2024

View Job Description
Sandoz

Product Specialist (Wallonia) #S24

Vilvoorde

FULL TIME

December 3, 2024

View Job Description
Handlangers

Business Development Manager

Ghent

FULL TIME & PART TIME & CONTRACT

December 3, 2024

View Job Description
Europe IT Services

Function Owner

Brussels

FULL TIME

December 3, 2024

View Job Description
Fedasil (centra/centres)

Verpleegkundige (m/v/x)

Oudergem

PART TIME

December 3, 2024

View Job Description
Looking for similar job?
Johnson & Johnson

Postdoctoral Researcher – AI in Digital Health

Antwerp

November 26, 2024

View Job Description
VIB

Postdoc in Computational Biology

Ghent

December 2, 2024

View Job Description
VIB

Postdoctoral position available in the De Smet Lab

Ghent

December 2, 2024

View Job Description
N-SIDE

Optimization Consultant & Coaching Lead

Louvain-la-Neuve

November 27, 2024

View Job Description
See What’s New: KU Leuven Job Opportunities
KU Leuven

PhD researcher on Risk Management in Information System Supply Chains

Leuven

FULL TIME

November 27, 2024

View Job Description
KU Leuven

PostDoc in Certified Combinatorial Optimization

Leuven

FULL TIME

November 26, 2024

View Job Description
View More Jobs by KU Leuven
New Job Alerts
Sandoz

Business Performance & Insights Manager

Vilvoorde

FULL TIME

December 3, 2024

View Job Description
Devoteam Belgium

Databricks Data Engineer

Machelen

FULL TIME

December 3, 2024

View Job Description
Sandoz

Field Medical Manager

Vilvoorde

FULL TIME

December 3, 2024

View Job Description
Sandoz

Product Specialist (Wallonia) #S24

Vilvoorde

FULL TIME

December 3, 2024

View Job Description
Handlangers

Business Development Manager

Ghent

FULL TIME & PART TIME & CONTRACT

December 3, 2024

View Job Description
Europe IT Services

Function Owner

Brussels

FULL TIME

December 3, 2024

View Job Description
Fedasil (centra/centres)

Verpleegkundige (m/v/x)

Oudergem

PART TIME

December 3, 2024

View Job Description