University of Southampton
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2 weeks ago
PhD in Pure Mathematics for Computational Optimization, Algorithms and Efficiency University of Southampton in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Funded PhD project with funding opportunities for UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers may cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students. Competition-based Presidential Bursaries may cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants. School studentships typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis.
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Southampton
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About this position
PhD opportunity at the University of Southampton in pure mathematics for computational optimization, with a focus on how mathematical structure can improve the design, analysis, and efficiency of optimization algorithms used in machine learning, engineering, and data science.
The project is supervised by Dr Andersen Ang at the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. The research direction is flexible and can be shaped by the student’s background and interests. Possible topics include variational analysis and nonsmooth optimization, functional analysis and monotone operator methods, stochastic analysis for uncertainty-aware optimization, PDE techniques for constrained optimization, harmonic analysis for signal and inverse problems, convex and algebraic geometry for optimization and control, discrete topology for graph-based information retrieval, and persistent homology/topological data analysis.
This is a strong fit for students with a background in mathematics who want to move toward computational or applied research. The post emphasizes translating pure mathematical ideas into practical computational gains such as faster algorithms, stronger convergence guarantees, improved numerical stability, dimensional reduction, and more efficient representations of optimization problems. Prior programming experience is not essential, and limited coding experience is acceptable.
Eligibility: UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent, with pure mathematics strongly preferred. Applicants should have a strong mathematical background, mathematical maturity, and a willingness to engage with computational problems. An English language qualification is required if applicable.
Funding: This is a funded PhD project. Funding opportunities may include Horizon Europe fee waivers, Presidential Bursaries, or school studentships that can cover tuition and provide a living stipend for top-ranked applicants. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.
How to apply: Apply through the University of Southampton portal. Select Research, 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, choose full time or part time, search for PhD Computer Science (7089), and add the supervisor name in section 2. Submit your CV, two academic references, transcripts/certificates, and English language qualification if applicable.
Funding details
Funded PhD project with funding opportunities for UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers may cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students. Competition-based Presidential Bursaries may cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants. School studentships typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis.
What's required
Applicants must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent, with pure mathematics strongly preferred. A strong mathematical background, mathematical maturity, and willingness to engage with computational problems are required. Prior programming experience is not essential, and limited coding experience is acceptable. An English language qualification is required if applicable.
How to apply
Apply online via the University of Southampton application portal. Choose Research, 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, select full time or part time, search for PhD Computer Science (7089), and add the supervisor name in section 2. Include your CV, two academic references, transcripts/certificates, and English language qualification if applicable.
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Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.