PhD Position in Computational Social Choice, Toulouse (France)

We are looking for a PhD candidate in Computational Social Choice at the Institut de Recherche en Informatique de Toulouse (IRIT) in Toulouse, France, with earliest starting date on 1st November 2018. The deadline for applications is 5 October 2018.

Job Description

The PhD candidate will work under the supervision of Umberto Grandi, Laurent Perrussel and Emiliano Lorini, as part of the recently funded ANR project on “Social Choice and Social Networks”. The aim of this research project is the conception of algorithms for opinion diffusion and vote computation in the presence of a social network, and its assessment in terms of computational and communicational complexity, axiomatic properties, including game-theoretic ones such as resistance to strategic actions by voters or external agents.

The successful candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the University of Toulouse 1 Capitole, located in the city center of Toulouse, and will become part of the LILaC research group. The main focus of the research group is the study of formal models of agents and their interaction, from logical models to game-theoretic ones and collective decision-making.

Tasks of the PhD candidate will include writing a PhD thesis, attending regular research seminars and meetings of the research group, publish and present her or his work regularly at international conferences and workshops, and participate in the organisation of scientific meetings and events. Teaching duties can be included up to a maximum of 64 hours per year. The PhD scholarship will last for three years with a net salary of around 1700€/month (including teaching duties).

Requirements

Applicants should hold a Master degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a relevant discipline. Candidates with an interdisciplinary background are particularly encouraged to apply. Further requirements are an excellent track record, a strong drive towards fundamental research and academic work, and full proficiency in English.

Previous knowledge of topics related to Computational Social Choice, Algorithmic Game Theory, and Multiagent Systems in general is an advantage. Candidates with a theoretical background in Social Network Analysis are also encouraged to apply.

Knowledge of the French language is not required. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to learn French during their stay.

Application procedure

Prospective candidates are encouraged to make contact with Umberto Grandi (umberto.grandi at ut-capitole.fr). Applications, consisting of a single PDF file including a detailed CV, a motivation letter of at most 2 pages including a description of the candidate’s research interests, 2 recommendation letters, a copy of the official transcript of grades at Master level, and a link to a Master thesis, should be submitted to Umberto Grandi (umberto.grandi at ut-capitole.fr) before 5 October 2018.