PhD studentship in Algorithms and complexity

The Algorithms group at the University of Leeds (UK) is offering a fully funded 3.5-year PhD studentship on Parameterized Complexity and Approximation. Parameterized Complexity is a vastly growing area within theoretical computer science that allows for the development of exact and approximation algorithms for computationally hard problems by exploiting the structure of inputs and doing a multivariate complexity analysis. The goal of this project is to develop more efficient parameterized approximation algorithms and preprocessing algorithms (also known as kernelization) for a wide range of NP-hard graph problems. <br /> <br /> Requirements: Applicants should have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline, i.e., computer science or mathematics. Applicants are expected to have excellent mathematical skills as well as an interest in discrete algorithms.

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Computer Science</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>PhD studentship in Algorithms and complexity</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/computing/staff/14135/dr-fahad-panolan">Dr Fahad Panolan</a> as your proposed supervisor. <em><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance section that the Funding Source you are applying for is the School of Computer Science Scholarship 2025/26.</strong></em></p> <p>Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 7 February 2025:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.5 in writing and at least 6.0 in reading, listening and speaking or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">A highly competitive School of Computer Science Studentship providing the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 in academic session 2024/25) for 3.5 years. There are no additional allowances for travel, research expenses, conference attendance or any other costs.</p> <p>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£320 in Session 2024/25), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Fahad Panolan by email to <a href="mailto:f.panolan@leeds.ac.uk">f.panolan@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>