Research Assistant in Studying Entropic Methods in Additive Combinatorics

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE; Singapore; On-site; SGD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Singapore is seeking a Research Assistant to study classical results in additive combinatorics using the entropy method. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in theoretical computer science, particularly in probability theory and algebra over finite fields. A robust publication record in top-tier conferences/journals is also essential. This position offers the opportunity to work within an international team in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Strong background in theoretical computer science.
• Sufficient understanding of probability theory and algebra over finite fields.
• Strong publication record in Core A* conferences/journals in Computer Science.

Responsibilities

• Study classical results in additive combinatorics through the entropy method.
• Identify bottlenecks and replacements of classical tools by entropic analogues.

Skills

Theoretical computer science

Probability theory

Algebra over finite fields

Classical additive combinatorics

Job description

Interested applicants are invited to apply directly at the NUS Career Portal

Your application will be processed only if you apply via NUS Career Portal

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

About the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT)

The Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) in Singapore brings together physicists, computer scientists and engineers to do basic research on quantum physics and to build devices based on quantum phenomena. Experts in this new discipline of quantum technologies are applying their discoveries in computing, communications, and sensing.
CQT is hosted by the National University of Singapore. The Centre also has staff at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and the Singapore University of Technology and Design. With some 200 staff and students, it offers a friendly and international work environment

Learn more about CQT at https://www.cqt.sg/

Job Description

The goal of the research assistantship is to study the classical results in additive combinatorics through the entropy method introduced by Tao (2009), used to prove the PFR conjecture by Gowers, Green, Manners and Tao (2015).

It is proposed that the power of the entropy method can be leveraged to give better entropic versions of classical additive combinatorics and pseudorandomness results such as Approximate Duality, which would then also have applications in improving the (parameters of) constructions of two-source extractors, non-malleable extractors etc.

As such, the research would involve understanding some of the classical results related to approximate duality as well as the entropy method, identifying bottlenecks and appropriate replacements of the classical tools by entropic analogues.

Job Requirements

• Strong background in theoretical computer science.
• Specifically, sufficient understanding of probability theory, algebra over finite fields, and the basics of classical additive combinatorics.
• Strong publication record in Core A* conferences/journals in Computer Science