Openings

I am currently looking for a PhD student to work under my supervision at the Department of Mathematics of King's College London. The starting date for the position is flexible, including any starting date between February and October 2025. 

Details: 

I am looking for a candidate willing to work in one of the following general research areas:

1. Large-scale optimization: This includes the development and analysis of efficient and robust optimization algorithms for the solution of general or problem-specific optimization problems of large-scale (i.e., problems with millions to billions to variables). Candidates interested in this area should ideally have (or should be willing to invest considerable amount of time to develop) strong programming skills, with preferrable languages being C++, Julia or Rust. Additionally, a relatively strong mathematical background is required, especially in (numerical) linear algebra, scientific computing/numerical analysis, and calculus.

2. Stochastic optimization: This is a very general area of research and includes (among others):

•  the development and analysis of optimization algorithms for general classes of stochastic optimization problems, 

• analysis and derivation of stochastic programming models and associated algorithms with applications in operational research, engineering or data science,

• advancements in variational analysis and its applications in stochastic optimization,

• and finally, risk-aware or distributionally robust optimization.

Candidates interested in working on stochastic optimization should have (or should be willing to invest a considerable amount of time to develop) a strong mathematical background, especially in variational analysis, probability and statistics, measure theory, and calculus. Programming skills are a plus, but are not a prerequisite and the student is welcome to work with any programming language of their choice, but preferably any of the following: Python, Julia, MATLAB, C++ or Rust.

Requirements:

Candidates are expected to hold (or be close to completing) a 1st-class (or equivalent) degree in Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, or other related areas. Holding an MSc is preferable, although not required. Additionally, the candidate must be willing to satisfy any formal requirements as set out by the admission office of the Department of Mathematics of King's College London. 

Contact Details:

Candidates that are interested in working with me, are encouraged to get in touch via email at spyridon.pougkakiotis@kcl.ac.uk by attaching their CV and a short research statement (no longer than 1 to 2 paragraphs). Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview and discuss any further details.