PhD Candidate in hybrid optimization algorithms for modern supercomputers

SnT is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services. We play an instrumental role in Luxembourg by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent.

We’re looking for people driven by excellence, excited about innovation, and looking to make a difference. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place!

Your Role

The successful candidate will join the Parallel computing and Optimisation Group (PCOG) research group, led by Prof. Pascal Bouvry and Dr. Grégoire Danoy as deputy head. PCOG conducts research on parallel computing and optimization techniques, in particular how different species may co-evolve taking local decisions while ensuring global objectives, to tackle large and difficult problems. The main application domains are security, trust and reliability; reliable scheduling and routing on new generations of networks; sustainable development and systems biomedicine; Unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAV), Smart Cities. Detailed information about the group is available at http://pcog.uni.lu/

This is a fully funded position for 3 years (extendable to an additional 4th year) in the UltraBO (Ultra-scale Computing for solving Big Optimization Problems) project conducted in collaboration with the BONUS (Big Optimization and Ultra-Scale computing) team of Prof. Melab at the University of Lille (France).

The UltraBO project aims to design and implement novel parallel hybrid optimization algorithms for modern supercomputers. Many experiments reported in the literature demonstrate that high-quality results are obtained through hybridization. However, finding efficient and effective hybridization schemes is challenging and tedious. On the other hand, according to Top500 modern supercomputers are increasingly large (millions of cores), heterogeneous (various CPUs, GPU, FPGA, …) and less and less reliable (Mean Time Between Failures - MTBF<1h) making their programming increasingly complex. The design and implementation of parallel algorithms for these ultra-scale supercomputers is still in its infancy especially in combinatorial optimization.

In this frame, the PhD thesis will tackle the challenge of designing and implementing novel parallel hybrid optimization algorithms (e.g., combining B&B and (meta-)heuristics), considering state-of-the-art approaches such as hyper-heuristics.

The successful candidate will work under the academic supervision of Dr. Grégoire Danoy (University of Luxembourg) and join a strong and motivated research team of SnT.

The position holder will be required to perform the following tasks/will do research on the following topics:

• Contribute to the UltraBO project
• Carry out research in the predefined areas
• Disseminate results in top scientific venues
• Present results in well-known international conferences and workshops

Your Profile

Qualification: The candidate should possess an M.Sc./M.Eng. Degree in any discipline relevant to this area of research (e.g., computer science, applied mathematics or a related field).

Experience: The candidate should have some knowledge and experience in some of the following topics:

• Optimisation algorithms (exact, heuristics, metaheuristics,…)
• Machine learning algorithms
• Parallel computing
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or C/C++

Language Skills: Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are required.

Here’s what awaits you at SnT

• A stimulating learning environment. Here post-docs and professors outnumber PhD students. That translates into access and close collaborations with some of the brightest ICT researchers, giving you solid guidance
• Exciting infrastructures and unique labs. At SnT’s two campuses, our researchers can take a walk on the moon at the LunaLab, build a nanosatellite, or help make autonomous vehicles even better
• The right place for IMPACT. SnT researchers engage in demand-driven projects. Through our Partnership Programme, we work on projects with more than 55 industry partners
• Multiple funding sources for your ideas. The University supports researchers to acquire funding from national, European and private sources
• Competitive salary package. The University offers a 12 month-salary package, over six weeks of paid time off, meal vouchers and health insurance
• Be part of a multicultural family. At SnT we have more than 60 nationalities. Throughout the year, we organise team-building events, networking activities and more
• Boost your career. Students can take advantage of several opportunities for growth and career development, from free language classes to career resources and extracurricular activities

But wait, there’s more!

• Complete picture of the perks we offer
• Discover our Partnership Programme

In Short

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (with a further possible 12-month extension if required)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Employee and student status
• Location: Belval
• Job Reference: UOL05466

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 38028 (full time)

How to apply

Applications should be submitted in English and include:

• Full CV, including list of publications
• The name (and email address, contact details) of three referees
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• Research statement and topics of particular interest to the candidate (300 words)

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

About the University of Luxembourg

University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide.

Further information

For inquiries, please contact Dr. Grégoire Danoy at gregoire.danoy@uni.lu