PhD in Computational Geometry and Computational Topology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Introduction

Computational geometry and computational topology are areas of research focused on the design and analysis of algorithms for spatial data. These algorithms typically leverage geometric and topological structure present in the data to obtain efficient solutions. This project focuses on computing similarities between networks in a spatial context, such as networks embedded in the Euclidean plane, or on a terrain. We intend to develop topology- and geometry-aware graph edit distances, drawing inspiration from well-studied variants of the Fréchet distance between curves. The project is led by dr. Tim Ophelders and will employ two PhD students.

Job Description

As a PhD student working on the project, your main task will be to perform research, in close collaboration with your supervisory team and others involved in the project. Each PhD student will be guided by two advisors: dr. Tim Ophelders and prof. dr. Bettina Speckmann. Your tasks as a PhD student also include participating in international conferences and workshops to present your results. Besides working on your research project, you will also assist in some algorithms-related courses, as a teaching assistant (TA).

You will be working in the TU/e Algorithms cluster, one of the largest research groups world-wide that focuses on algorithms research. The cluster currently has 10 faculty members, whose research interests include computational geometry and topology, graph and FPT algorithms, moving object analysis, geo-visualization, and mobile agents; please visit https://algo.win.tue.nl/ for more details on the cluster. The cluster provides a lively and international environment for your research.

As a PhD student, you do need not speak Dutch: it is easy to get by with English, not only at the university (where all courses are taught in English) but also in everyday life.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Mathematics or Computer Science, with a strong background in algorithms.
• A passion for research in computational geometry and computational topology.
• An interest in teaching algorithms-related courses.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

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.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• 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. 

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

As one of the largest and most dynamic academic communities in the Netherlands, the department Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS) brings together more than 140 scientific staff, over 250 PhD and EngD candidates, and nearly 3000 students. We collaborate closely with leading industrial partners in the Brainport Eindhoven region and with universities across the globe—creating a uniquely fertile environment for both fundamental breakthroughs and applied innovation.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact dr. Tim Ophelders (t.a.e.ophelders@tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR Services (hrservices.mcs@tue.nl).

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

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

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

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: for full consideration, submit your application by May 31.

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 the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.