PhD-TA Load Balancing Dynamics in Complex Networks

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

With over 110 (assistant, associate and full) professors, almost 300 PhD and EngD students, about 1500 Bachelor students and 1000 Master students, the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS) is the largest department of the TU/e. By performing top-level fundamental and applied research, and maintaining strong ties with industry, M&CS aims to contribute to science and innovation in and beyond the region.

Introduction

Are you eager to use your mathematical skills to explore the dynamics of randomized load balancing policies in complex compatibility graphs?  Do you want to develop probabilistic methods to analyze and improve the performance of large-scale systems such as data centers and cloud networks?  We invite applications for a PhD-TA position at the intersection of Applied Probability, Networking and Stochastic Operations Research.  In this role you will specifically apply local-convergence techniques to gain valuable insight in the evolution of congestion phenomena in sparse and possibly dynamic random graphs.

Job Description

Randomized load balancing provides a key mechanism for distributing tasks among servers in resource-sharing networks.  The analysis and design of load balancing policies has attracted immense attention in recent years, mainly spurred by crucial scalability challenges arising in parallel-processing systems with massive numbers of servers such as data centers and cloud computing platforms.

The performance of load balancing policies is well-understood in settings where any server can handle any task or where the compatibility graph is suitably dense.  In real-life deployment scenarios, however, tasks have highly heterogeneous processing requirements, and servers have increasingly specialized features (e.g. data locality), giving rise to fairly sparse and possibly even dynamic compatibility graphs.

The asymmetry induced by the compatibility graph breaks the fundamental underpinnings of existing scaling limits and raises major methodological challenges.  These issues manifest themselves particularly in sparse regimes where the network structure plays a crucial role, creating a strong need for innovative approaches.  This PhD project will specifically leverage local-convergence techniques in order to get a grip on the dynamics of randomized load balancing policies.  Local convergence has evolved into a key methodology to deal with sparse random graphs.  In particular, the aim is to obtain insight how the local network structure impacts the overall performance, and use that to derive guidelines for optimal network design.

As a PhD-TA, you will also be crucially involved in educational activities in the area of stochastic processes. Depending on your interests, you can contribute as an instructor, lecturer or (co-)supervisor of BSc and MSc final projects.  You will have the unique opportunity to spark students’ interest in this area, and help students develop the skills and obtain the knowledge needed to excel in their future career.

This position is in the Statistics, Probability and Operations Research (SPOR) cluster in the Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS) Department at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e).  The SPOR cluster has a vibrant research environment, accommodating strong scientists with diverse backgrounds from Applied Probability to Discrete Optimization.  In particular, you will be a member of the Stochastic Operations Research group, which focuses on evaluating and optimizing the performance and reliability of large-scale

systems that operate in the presence of randomness and uncertainty.  We develop mathematical models and methods for the design, analysis, optimization and control of such systems with techniques at the crossroads of Applied Probability and Operations Research.  At the heart of the SPOR cluster is the workshop institute EURANDOM, offering major opportunities for you to learn through various international workshops and even co-organize workshops.

Job Requirements

We are looking for a strong PhD candidate who is excited to perform cutting-edge research in the area of complex load balancing networks.  Key characteristics of an ideal candidate include:

• A MSc degree in mathematics, preferably with specialization in Applied Probability or Stochastic Operations Research.
• Ideally some familiarity with large-deviations theory, asymptotic analysis, random graph theory, queueing networks and resource allocation algorithms.
• Strong independency in analytical thinking, and intrinsic drive to deep thinking and complex problem solving.
• Enthusiasm to contribute to the educational activities in the area of stochastic processes.
• Great communication skills, excellent team-working capabilities, strong academic writing competences, and fluency in English (CEFR level C1 or above).

Conditions of Employment

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 
• Full-time employment for five years, with an intermediate assessment (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 25% of your employment on educational tasks. Typically, your final year will be used solely for research. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 2,901 max. € 3,707).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Prof. Sem Borst ([email protected]) or Prof. Remco van der Hofstad, ([email protected]).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact our personnel officers Jonelleke Kamperman or Gaby Jansen, ([email protected]).

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

If you are interested, then we invite you to apply as soon as possible by using the ‘apply now’ button. We will start considering applications and interviewing immediately upon receiving an application. The application should include:

• A cover letter (1 page maximum), which includes a motivation of your interest in the vacancy and an explanation of why you would fit well for the project;
• An extensive curriculum vitae (including a list of possible publications and awards);
• Your MSc thesis and BSc thesis (if applicable);
• A course list of your BSc and MSc programs (including grades);
• Names and contact information of two references;
• Any further information that might be relevant.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.