PhD studentship in Economics and Computation

The aim of this project is to study economic environments such as game theoretic environments, fair division or social choice theory from the perspective of algorithms, mechanism and computational complexity. Indicative possible topics include designing algorithms and proving computational complexity results for environments like auctions, fair division or markets, designing algorithms for social choice settings under limited information, or designing incentive mechanisms and performing game-theoretic analysis for these environments.

Candidate’s profile

• A strong mathematical background, with an emphasis on discrete mathematics, probabilities, and ideally theory of computation/basics of computational complexity.  
• Programming skills are a plus but they are not required. 
• A good Bachelor’s Hons degree (2.1 or above or international equivalent) and/or Master’s degree in a relevant subject (computer science, mathematics, economics, physics, engineering, or related subject)
• Proficiency in English (both oral and written)
• Familiarity with game theory and or/social choice theory/fair division is desirable but not necessary.

Application Information

Applicants should apply via the University’s admissions portal (EUCLID) and apply for the following programme: LFCS: Theory and Foundations of Computer Science, Databases, Software and Systems Modelling with a start date of 01-Oct-2023.

Applicants should state “Algorithms and Mechanisms for Economic Environments” and the research supervisor (Dr Aris Filos-Ratsikas) in their application and Research Proposal document. 

Complete applications submitted by 9 April 2023 will receive full consideration; after that date applications will be considered until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is 01-Oct-2023. Please be advised that depending on the date an offer is made, later start dates might need to be considered for international applicants needing to complete immigration processes prior to commencing studies. 

Applicants must submit:

• All degree transcripts and certificates (and certified translations if applicable)
• Evidence of English Language capability (where applicable). 
• A short research proposal (max 2 pages)
• A full CV and cover letter describing your background, suitability for the PhD, and research interests (max 2 pages).
• Two references (note that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure reference letters are received before the deadline).

Only complete applications (i.e., those that are not missing the above documentation) will progress forward to Academic Selectors for further consideration. 

Environment

The School of Informatics is one of the largest in Europe and currently, the top Informatics institute in the UK for research power, with 40% of its research outputs considered world-leading (top grade), and almost 50% considered top grade for societal impact. The University of Edinburgh is constantly ranked among the world’s top universities and is a highly international environment with several centres of excellence.

The School of Informatics is exceptionally strong in the area of Theoretical Computer Science, hosting one of the largest groups for the Foundations of Computer Science in the world. The successful applicant will be part of the Algorithms & Computational Complexity group and will have the opportunity to interact with the other members of the group and more widely within the School of Informatics.