PhD Position: Bridging Theory and Practice in Parallel Graph Algorithms

This PhD project aims to narrow the gap between theoretically efficient parallel algorithms and practical implementations in parallel graph algorithms.

PhD Position: Bridging Theory and Practice in Parallel Graph Algorithms

Your function

As a PhD student, you will work both on finding solutions to graph algorithmic problems on abstract parallel models, and work on implementing solutions on parallel systems and performing engineering.

Specifically, you will:

• Designing parallel graph algorithms with provable theoretical guarantees.
• Translating theoretical algorithms into practical parallel implementations for modern hardware.
• Adapting and extending classical parallel abstractions to capture the characteristics and limitations of modern hardware.
• Applying discrete optimization techniques for managing resources in parallel systems.

As part of this position, you will be encouraged and supported to refine and drive your own research within the project scope, publish and present your findings at top-tier venues, develop and maintain open-source software, and contribute to teaching and community outreach. The ultimate goal is for the successful candidate to produce a dissertation that leads to a PhD degree in 4 years.

Your profile

We offer a fully funded PhD position for 4 years. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who meets the following qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Computer Science, or equivalent (completed before the start date of the PhD).
• Excellent algorithms, mathematical proofs, and programming skills are required.
• Additional background in parallel programming, high-performance computing, graph theory, and discrete optimization is a plus.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Proactive and enthusiastic about addressing cutting-edge research challenges.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

About us

This project will be jointly supervised by Dr. Tiziano De Matteis and Dr. Yasamin Nazari.

Dr. Tiziano De Matteis is an assistant professor in the Massivizing Computer Systems group. His principal research interests are related to High-Performance Computing (HPC), particularly programming models and tools for accelerated computing systems, parallel programming, and sustainability of modern computing systems.
Dr. Yasamin Nazari is an assistant professor in the theoretical computer science group, broadly working on algorithms including graph algorithms in various computational models (dynamic, parallel, distributed) and combinatorial optimization.

The candidate will be embedded in the Theoretical Computer Science (led by prof. Wan Fokkink) and the Massivizing Computer Systems (MCS, led by prof. Alexandru Iosup) groups.

Department of Computer Science

The Department of Computer Science at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is an internationally recognised centre of excellence, advancing the full spectrum of Computer Science in both research and education. It comprises approximately 230 staff members and is organised around strongly connected themes: AI & Data, Systems & Infrastructure, Software, Security & Privacy and Theory of Computation.