PhD position at LIRMM, Montpellier

The RCR (knowledge representation and reasoning) group at LIRMM, 
Montpellier, is looking for a highly motivated candidate for a 
three-year PhD position to investigate representation and reasoning 
aspects for combinatorial auctions.

Combinatorial auctions (CAs) can be looked at as a way of approaching 
allocation problems involving multiple heterogeneous goods. Bidding is 
the problem of representing one's valuation function over this set of 
goods on offer. The research project will focus on investigating a graph 
based approach for representing and manipulating bids for CAs from a 
representational and reasoning viewpoint.

The challenges of this work are twofold: (1) representation / reasoning 
(algorithms working on compact graphical representations are to be 
designed) and (2) reasoning / efficiency (structure of the represented 
bids can be used to characterize interesting complexity classes).

The candidate must have a master’s degree in Computing Science or 
Applied Mathematics. The candidate should possess (1) strong analytical 
skills, (2) good knowledge of graph theoretical notions, (3) good 
knowledge of multi agent systems and (4) highly proficient skills in at 
least one major programming language.

Interested candidates should apply by emailing croitoru@lirmm.fr as soon 
as possible (and no later than 25th of May 2009):
• a letter of motivation with statement of research interests
• curriculum vitae
• master studies results

-- 
Dr. Madalina Croitoru
Associate Professor University of Montpellier II
LIRMM, 161 rue ADA, F34392 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
Fax: +33(0)67 41 85 00
Tel: +33(0)67 41 85 39