PhD position : Data Driven Optimization in Telecommunication Networks

A PhD position is available in combinatorial optimization at Paris Research Center of Huawei and University Paris-Dauphine.
 

Title: Data Driven Optimization in Telecommunication Networks

Supervisors: Dr. Fabio FURINI, Pr. Ali Ridha MAHJOUB and Dr. Sebastien MARTIN

Keywords: optimization, telecommunication networks, mathematical programming, exact algorithms, data driven approaches

Abstract: Modern Telecommunication Networks are extremely complex systems in which hard combinatorial optimization problems must be effectively solved in short computing time. This thesis will focus on rich multi-commodity flow problems arising in telecommunication networks with complex demand satisfaction constraints. The primary goal will be to develop a mathematical optimization tool to face peaks and anomalies in traffic demands. Such problems are crucial in the identification of the weaknesses of the telecommunication networks. Thus the results of the thesis will provide an effective optimization tool to protect and make more efficient these networks. More in details, taking in consideration demand peaks and anomalies is crucial in finding an optimal load balance of the traffic through the network. We plan to develop exact and effective solution methodologies based on a deep mathematical understanding of the underlying problem. The new algorithms will be based on effective decomposition techniques such as the Benders and Dantzig-Wolfe decompositions which will lead to branch-and-cut and branch-and-price algorithms. The novelty of the thesis will be in the development of an alternative method to balance the traffic flow in the networks with the goal of effectively absorbing anomalies and demand peaks.

The thesis will be developed in the Mathematical and Algorithmic Sciences Lab, Paris Research Center of Huawei and in Paris-Dauphine University. The focus is on the development of scientific results concerning theory and methodology which may be of interest for the mathematical optimization community. A special attention will be given to the publication of the results in the top journals of the domain (like Mathematical Programming, Operation Research as well as top telecommunication conferences like INFOCOM).

The PhD grant will be funded at Huawei France Research Center (FRC) located in Boulogne-Billancourt, Paris area. The center is leading advanced research in the fields of Algorithm and Software design, Aesthetics, MBB & Home devices and Parallel Computing, to create and design the innovative technologies and software platforms for the company. The project is in collaboration with Paris-Dauphine University and in particular with LAMSADE, the computer science and optimization laboratory of Paris-Dauphine University (https://www.lamsade.dauphine.fr/). LAMSADE is a well known research center in decision science specialized in the domain of optimization. The PhD student will perform his research activities between LAMSADE and the Paris research center of Huawei (https://huawei.eu/media-centre/press-releases/huawei-opens-mathematics-research-centre-france).

Skills: The PhD candidate is expected to perform scientific research in a domain of telecommunication network problems. Applicants should demonstrate good programming skills and deep knowledge in solution methods for combinatorial optimization problems. Experience with branch-and-cut algorithms and/or branch-and-price algorithms is considered as plus.  Applicants should have completed (or close to completion of) a master degree in operations research, computer science, mathematics or a comparable domain. Fluency English is required. Moreover, the candidate must be comfortable in programming in C/C++. Affinity with industrial Engineering or telecommunication networks is considered as plus.  

Application: must be submitted electronically to fabio.furini@lamsade.dauphine.fr,  ridha.mahjoub@lamsade.dauphine.fr and sebastien.martin@huawei.com and must include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae detailing educational background research experience and up to three recommendation letters. The position is for 3 years starting as soon as possible. Master students that are not available before summer are eligible (the exact starting date is negotiable).   

Deadline: application must be submitted as soon as possible (hard deadline by April 15, 2019). We will accept later applications if the position is not yet filled.

The salary will be around 30000 euros brut by year (around 2000 euros net by month).