The Algorithms, Combinatorics and Optimization Group (PNA1) at the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica 
(CWI) in Amsterdam invites applications for a

PhD position (four years) in Algorithmic Game Theory.

Founded in 1946, the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) is the national research institute for 
mathematics and computer science in the Netherlands. It is located in the Science Park Amsterdam 
and is part of the "Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research" (NWO). The institute is 
internationally focused and renowned for its high quality research. Over 160 researchers conduct 
pioneering research and share their acquired knowledge with society. More than 30 researchers are 
employed as professors at universities. The institute has generated twenty-one spin-off companies.

CWI maintains excellent relations with industry and the academic world, both in the Netherlands 
as well as abroad. The library and computing facilities are first-rate. CWI's non-scientific 
services include career planning, training and courses, and assistance in finding housing.

The research group "Algorithms, Combinatorics and Optimization" in the cluster "Probability, 
Networks and Algorithms" has a vacancy for a talented

**PhD student**

on the subject Social Interactions in Games.


Research group:

The Algorithms, Combinatorics and Optimization Group (PNA1) performs fundamental research, 
focusing on the development of new efficient algorithmic methods for problems in combinatorics, 
optimization and algorithmic game theory. The group's research is motivated by real-world 
applications. The techniques that the group develops make use of tools from mathematics, 
operations research, computer science, game theory and logic.

The PhD candidate will be part of the Algorithmic Game Theory Group within PNA1, which focuses 
on interdisciplinary research at the interface of game theory, optimization and algorithms.

Job description:

Many real-world applications are complex and distributed in nature in that they involve a multitude
of independent decision makers who attempt to achieve their own goals. It is well-known that 
strategic choices often result in outcomes that are inefficient for the society as a whole. 
Algorithmic game theory has shed new light on various aspects of such situations of strategic 
interaction. However, most studies assume that the decision makers correspond to "isolated" 
entities who make their choices based on purely selfish incitements. This assumption is overly 
simplistic: 

Decision makers are often motivated by other-regarding preferences such as altruism, spite or 
fairness and typically exhibit complex social relationships. The goal of the project is to gain 
an accurate understanding of such social interactions in games.

Relevant research aspects of the PhD project include (but are not limited
to) inefficiency of equilibria, complexity of games, algorithmic mechanism design, etc.

The PhD candidate will be given the possibility to pursue part of her/his studies abroad, to attend
international doctoral schools, conferences and workshops, and to participate in the national PhD 
programme organized by the LNMB (Dutch Network on the Mathematics of Operations Research).

Requirements:

The PhD candidate is required to have a master's degree in mathematics or computer science and 
should have an excellent background in combinatorial optimization and algorithms. Ideally, the 
candidate has already worked in the area of algorithmic game theory and demonstrated the ability 
to pursue independent research. Candidates are expected to have an excellent command of English, 
and good academic writing and presentation skills.

Terms and conditions:

The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labor Agreement for Research 
Institutes ("CAO-onderzoeksinstellingen"). Moreover, CWI offers attractive working conditions, 
including flexible scheduling and help with housing for expat employees. CWI also offers excellent
and flexible terms of employment, including an employee pension fund.

The gross monthly salary, for an employee on a full time basis, is 2,057 Euro during the first year
and increases to 2,636 Euro over the four year period. Expats may apply for a profitable tax 
ruling, which, if approved by the tax authorities, would mean not having to pay taxes over 30% of 
your income.

Information:

Additional information can be obtained from Prof. dr. Guido Schaefer, email g.schaefer@cwi.nl. 
Please see also our website http://www.cwi.nl/research-groups/algorithms-combinatorics-and-optimization.

Application:

Please send your application before September 30, 2012 to: pd@cwi.nl.

Applications should include a detailed CV, a motivation letter, a list of your M.SC. courses and 
grades, a copy of your master thesis, and a list of publications (if applicable). Please mention 
at least two references.


Additional information about working at CWI can be seen in the video "A Fundamental Difference": 
http://www.cwi.nl/general/movies-about-cwi or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e-VYBdBKis