I-CORE in Algorithms and the Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing in Berkeley – a joint postdoctoral program

I-CORE Algo – Israeli Center of Research Excellence in algorithms, and the Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing are seeking excellent candidates for a joint postdoctoral program starting in the academic year 2015-2016.

The Israeli Center of Research Excellence in Algorithms is part of the I-CORE program, initiated by the Government of Israel and adopted by Israel’s Council of Higher Education, in order to reinforce Israel’s intellectual capacities and promote synergy among Israel’s leading research centers. The members of the center are some of Israel’s most exceptional computer scientists, from The Blavatnik School of Computer Science in Tel Aviv University, The Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering in The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science in Weizmann Institute of Science.

The Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing is an exciting new venue for collaborative research in theoretical computer science and related fields. The Institute is housed in a dedicated building on the UC Berkeley campus, and acts as a vibrant and welcoming environment for visiting researchers. In each academic semester the activities of the Institute are largely focused on specific research programs, each of which attracts thirty to forty participants ranging from senior scientists to graduate students. The Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing was created in 2012 through a ten-year grant from the Simons Foundation (more information can be found at: http://simons.berkeley.edu/fellows2015).

The joint postdoctoral position would start in Fall 2015. The joint post-doctoral fellow will first spend a semester (Fall 2015) at the Simons Institute, and then will continue at the I-Core in Algorithms for the remainder of the academic year. The topics of the research programs for Fall 2015 in the Simons Institute are Algorithmic Challenges in Genomics” and “Counting Complexity and Phase Transitions”.) The topics of research in I-CORE in Algorithms include (but are not limited to): all variety of algorithms (optimization, online, streaming, approximation, randomized, geometric and more), cryptography, security and privacy, algorithmic game theory, quantum computing, networking and distributed computing, databases, machine learning and computer vision. The research interests of potential candidates should match the research interests of both institutions.

Salaries and benefits are competitive and assistance with visas and housing will be provided. We particularly encourage applications from outstanding women and minority candidates. In addition, the I-CORE in Algorithms would provide some support to travel to and from Israel. In some circumstances, the fellowship maybe be awarded for more than one year, up to a maximum of two years.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Each applicant should submit the following documents (as pdf files) in a single email to icorealgo@cs.tau.ac.il.

– cover letter, including current institution and employment status, (expected) date of PhD, and a statement indicating the Simons Institute program (or programs) in which you wish to participate, and why. For the I-CORE Algo please indicate which institute you would like to perform the research at (can be more than one);
– curriculum vitae, including full list of publications;
– research statement;
– names and email addresses of at least three recommenders.

In addition, all applicants should ensure that their recommenders email their letters (as pdf files) to the email address above, with the subject line “: recommendation”. (It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the letters are sent; I-CORE will not solicit letters directly.)

The deadline for receipt of all application materials, including letters, is December 15, 2014.