Postdoctoral Research Position in Optimization at Lehigh University

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (www.lehigh.edu/ise) at Lehigh University. The position is for the project "Randomized Models for Nonlinear Optimization: Theoretical Foundations and Practical Numerical Methods" funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This project is being conducted under the joint supervision of Katya Scheinberg (katyas@lehigh.edu) and Frank E. Curtis (frank.e.curtis@lehigh.edu). The postdoctoral research position is for one year with the possibility of an extension to a second year.

Project

The project involves the design, analysis, and implementation of algorithms for solving nonlinear optimization problems. In particular, the project focuses on randomized algorithms for derivative-free optimization (commonly known as DFO) and nonsmooth optimization. The goals of the project are to design and analyze novel, practical methods for solving such problems that also have a strong theoretical foundation. It will also involve the development of prototype software written in Matlab, and eventually high-performance software in a language such as C, C++, or Fortran.

Qualifications

A successful candidate will hold a PhD in Optimization, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or other field related to the project by August 1, 2014. Additional desired attributes include the following: (1) experience in the design, analysis, and implementation of optimization algorithms, especially stochastic methods; (2) experience using and/or implementing numerical optimization software; and (3) excellent communication skills.

Workplace

Lehigh University is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA. By car, Bethlehem is approximately 1 hour from Philadelphia and 1.5 hours from New York City. There is also an airport, Lehigh Valley International Airport, located approximately 10 minutes from campus. The project will benefit from the facilities in the COR@L Laboratory (http://coral.ie.lehigh.edu) located in the Department of ISE at Lehigh.

Application Timeline

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a successful candidate is found. An offer is expected to be made by June 1, 2013, if not earlier.

Application

An interested applicant should send the following information to Katya Scheinberg (katyas@lehigh.edu) and Frank E. Curtis (frank.e.curtis@lehigh.edu): (1) a cover letter describing their experience and research interests as they relate to the project, (2) a CV that includes a list of publications, and (3) contact information (i.e., name, position, e-mail address, and phone number) of at least two references with knowledge of the applicant's knowledge and experience.