Optimization of Resilient Network Design

This joint PhD thesis aims to enhance the resilience of telecommunication networks, with potential applications across various network types, including wired infrastructures such as Elastic Optical Networks (EONs), and wireless architectures like 5G/6G Core Networks.

The research will address several key challenges:

(1) Identification and localization of network failures

(2) Placement of network services/functions, as well as routing, protection, and resource allocation

(3) Routing and scheduling for data evacuation in emergency or degraded scenarios

(4) Proactive protection and rapid restoration techniques to ensure service continuity

Most of the problems studied in this thesis can be formulated as combinatorial optimization problems, which are generally NP-hard. As such, the work will rely on advanced optimization techniques, including but not limited to:

- Integer Linear Programming (ILP)/Column Generation

- (Meta)heuristics

- Deep Reinforcement Learning for data-driven adaptive solutions

- LLM for network optimization

It should be noted that this joint PhD program is only open to international applicants who has already been enrolled in a PhD program at a university outside of France. Ideally, candidates should currently be in the first or second year of their doctoral studies. However, third-year PhD students may also be considered, provided their doctoral program extends beyond four years at their home institution. 

Successful PhD applicants must also enroll in the ED536 Doctoral School at Avignon University and spend one year conducting research at the university. A "convention de co-tutelle" should be signed by both partener institutions before the registration. This stay can be completed either as a single continuous mobility period or divided into several shorter stays. During the research period, the candidate will benefit from joint supervision by PhD advisors from both institutions.

Avignon University will provide the following support:

- A travel allowance of up to €1,500 for a round-trip (by plane or train), reimbursed upon presentation of valid supporting documents.

- A monthly stipend of up to €1,230 (equivalent to the net minimum wage in France in the year of the application), for a maximum duration of 12 months.
Please note: any financial support already received by the PhD candidate during the mobility period (e.g., scholarships, grants, or other funding) will be deducted from this amount.

If you are interested and have an outstanding academic record and publication recard, we can also consider applying for the Campus France Eiffel PhD Scholarship (https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/le-programme-de-bourses-france-excellence-eiffel). Please note that this is a highly competitive program.

During this joint PhD program, the candidate will carry out research at Avignon University, located in the beautiful and historic city of Avignon in southern France.

Throughout the research period, the candidate will benefit from joint supervision by PhD advisors from both partner institutions.

Applicants to this joint PhD program must already be enrolled in a PhD program at a university outside of France. Ideally, candidates should currently be in the first or second year of their doctoral studies. However, third-year PhD students may also be considered, provided their doctoral program extends beyond four years at their home institution.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates with a strong research background in mathematics, including areas such as operations research, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and network optimization. Prior publications in reputable journals or international conferences will be considered a significant advantage.