PhD on Decision-Making using Structural (Mixed) Integer Programs

Introduction

Within this PhD project, you will explore the power and versatility of structural (mixed) integer programs. We focus on integer programs with well-behaved constrained matrices whose structure can be exploited by algorithms, leading to efficient solvability. Due to the development of such algorithms, structured integer programs play a critical role in many decision-making processes leading to improved operational efficiency, and cost reductions. Our goal is to extend this connection, with a focus on problems related to collective decision-making, voting, and (fair) resource allocation. Through this work, you will contribute to building stronger theoretical foundations for structural optimization, to designing new algorithms for such integer programs, and to applying structured integer programs to various domains.

Job Description

You will work under the supervision of Alexandra Lassota and Frits Spieksma in the Combinatorial Optimization group (link) within the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at TU/e. Your responsibilities include to perform scientific research on the topic of the above-mentioned project, and to publish and present your results at international venues. For a small percentage of your time, you will be asked to assist with educational tasks (course support and supervision of students).

Job Requirements

• You have a bachelor and master degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, or Econometrics.
• You have a strong background in Combinatorics and Complexity Theory.
• You have good communication skills and like occasional travels.
• You are creative, ambitious, as well as self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented.
• You have a good command of the English language (knowledge of Dutch is not required).

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. 

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

For more information about the project or about the working conditions, please contact Alexandra Lassota (a.a.lassota@tue.nl) or Frits Spieksma (f.c.r.spieksma@tue.nl).

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.

Besides personal and contact information, you should upload the following documents as PDFs:

• A cover letter in which you describe your motivation, research experience, interests, and qualifications for the position.
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications (if existing) and two academic references. We do not need reference letters at this stage.
• B.Sc. and M.Sc. transcripts

Do not upload any other documents.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.