PhD position in Distributed Graph Algorithms at GSSI (L'Aquila, Italy)

A *PhD position* is available at *Gran Sasso Science Institute (GSSI), 
L'Aquila, Italy,* in the *Theory of Distributed Graph Algorithms* group 
of prof. Alkida Balliu (https://alkida.net/).

The**position is funded by the *FIS Project (Computer Science) 
*2024-03606 "A Robust Theory of Distributed Computation".


The ideal candidate has an excellent academic qualification in computer 
science or a related discipline.

We expressly encourage talented students from mathematics—especially 
pure mathematics—to apply if they have an interest in algorithmic 
questions.

It is not required any background in distributed or parallel algorithms.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*REQUIREMENTS***

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


English knowledge is compulsory.

Applications are open to candidates in possession of one of the 
following degrees:

  * “Laurea Magistrale” or “Laurea Specialistica” or a four or five
    years degree.
  * A foreign University degree (minimum legal duration of the
    University course: four years). The eligibility of foreign degrees
    is assessed by the Selection Committee.


Applicants obtaining their degree by *no later than October 31, 2026* 
may apply (both Italian or foreign degree according to the previous 
description).

Applicants will have to send a copy of their degree certificate at 
[email protected] within *November 20, 2026 *(for Italian degrees 
a “self declaration” can also be accepted)



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*TIMELINE***

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


*Deadline: *Applications are open until *May 4, 2026, 3:00 p.m.* 
*(Italian time zone).***

*Shortlist:* The shortlist of the eligible candidates will be published 
*within May 8*.

*Interviews:* Interviews will take place remotely on *May 11* (the list 
of the candidates admitted to the interview will be published on the 
GSSI website (www.gssi.it <http://www.gssi.it>)).



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*HOW TO APPLY***

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applicants must fill out the*online application form* at 
https://applications.gssi.it, where it is possible to find all the 
necessary information for the submission, and attach the required documents.


In the application form there is a field where applicants may indicate 
emails addresses of persons that could provide a reference letter; once 
you apply, the referees will automatically get notified and be asked to 
send a reference letter within May 6.



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*ACTIVITIES AND DURATION*

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**

The Ph.D. Programmes last *four years*. Nevertheless, it is possible to 
be awarded the Ph.D. degree after the completion of the third year.

The Academic Year will *start on November 1st 2026*.



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*ABOUT L'AQUILA*

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**

L'Aquila is a beautiful historic city surrounded by the majestic 
Apennine Mountains. It is the capital of Abruzzo region and the 2026 
Italian Capital of Culture.

L'Aquila is very affordable Italian city (a person can live on a budget 
of roughly €500–€600 per month)

**


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*SCHOLARSHIPS AND BENEFITS*

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**

GSSI awards scholarships until the dissertation defense and for a 
maximum of four years.

The *net monthly scholarship* amounts to more than *€ 1.600,00*, divided 
as follows.


*Salary:* The *monthly net* amount of the scholarship is roughly *€ 
1.200,00* (yearly gross amount is € 16.243,00).

An additional 50% on a monthly basis may be awarded for research periods 
abroad if approved by the GSSI.


*Accommodation:* All Ph.D. students normally benefit from free 
accommodation at the guest house during the first year;

starting from the second year, all Ph.D. students are provided with a 
financial substitute of *€ 305,00 net/month*.


*Luncheons:* All Ph.D. students will have free luncheon vouchers (1 per 
day, working days, except school closures, missions, and other 
situations contemplated by the GSSI rules).


*No Tuition Fees:* All Ph.D. students will have tuition fees waived.


*Insurance:* All Ph.D. students will be covered by insurance against any 
accident and/or injury that may occur while carrying out their Ph.D. 
activities.


*Laptop:* All Ph.D. students are entitled to a contribution of up to*€ 
1.200,00 (net)* for the purchase of a laptop for study and research 
purposes. The contribution will be paid upon the presentation of the 
fiscal receipt headed to the applicant.


For more information, please contact Prof. Alkida Balliu at 
[email protected]


**********************************************************
*
*   Contributions to be spread via DMANET are submitted to
*
*                   [email protected]
*
*   Replies to a  message carried  on DMANET should NOT be
*   addressed to DMANET  but to  the original sender.  The
*   original  sender,  however,  is invited  to prepare an
*   update  of the replies  received and to communicate it
*   via DMANET.
*
*    DISCRETE MATHEMATICS AND ALGORITHMS NETWORK (DMANET)
*      http://www.zaik.uni-koeln.de/AFS/publications/dmanet/
*
**********************************************************