Do you like Lie groups and geometry? Are you eager to explore applications of these in signal processing and machine learning? Do you enjoy modelling problems using polynomials? If yes, then this vacancy in the Discrete Algebra and Geometry (DAG) group of the Discrete Mathematics (DM) cluster of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS) might be something for you.
Job Description
Information technology relies on the representation of information for efficient and accurate processing. Exploiting symmetries and invariance can lead to gains in memory, speed of execution, and accuracy. Many tools in invariant theory can be applied to continuous, exact objects. Under the supervision of Prof. Mireille Boutin, you will work on extending these tools to the discrete setting where the data is corrupted by noise. The main areas of applications considered at the moment relate to either localization and mapping (e.g., GPS) or metrology (e.g., object detection and classification). You will be encouraged to explore other areas of applications.
We are looking for a talented, enthusiastic PhD candidates meeting the following requirements:
The start date is flexible.
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:
About the university
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 at https://youtu.be/J76a-oN5YW8?
About the Department
The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS) is the largest department of the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and one of the largest departments in the Netherlands in the area of mathematics and computer science. M&CS has approximately 450 employees with more than 100 scientific staff (assistant, associate, and full professors) and more than 200 PhD and EngD students. The department has research collaborations with the other departments at TU/e, with many organizations in the Brainport region, and with universities and companies in the Netherlands and abroad. M&CS strongly contributes to science and engineering by performing both fundamental and applied research. This is reflected in a rich portfolio of projects and grants that M&CS research staff have acquired (including ERC and national level personal grants, H2020, NWO, and industry co-funded projects). Furthermore, M&CS is offering high-quality bachelor and master programs, all taught in English, and hosts more than 2500 students in their programs. On top of this, the department offers courses and teaching at the other departments of TU/e. Through M&CS’s close relationship with the high-tech industry in the Brainport region, staff and students contribute directly to the development of relevant technological innovations. Finally, the department has delivered a number of successful spin-off companies, and participates in many national and international research consortia. M&CS is organized in three different domains: mathematics, computer science, and data science. Each domain consists of several clusters. The mathematics domain has three clusters: CASA (Center for Analysis, Scientific Computing, and Applications), DM (Discrete Mathematics), and SPOR (Statistics, Probability, and Operations Research). The domain of computer science is organized in five different clusters: ALGA (Algorithms, Geometry and Applications), FSA (Formal System Analysis), IRIS (Interconnected Resource-aware Intelligent Systems), SEC (Security), and SET (Software Engineering and Technology). Data science has three clusters: DAI (Data and Artificial Intelligence), PA (Process Analytics), and VIS (Visualization)
About the cluster
The research of the Discrete Mathematics (DM) cluster is concerned with finite structures and their properties. It is an exciting growth area in the modern information age: Just as continuous mathematics led to major scientific developments in the 19th and 20th century, Discrete Mathematics with its various subfields such as algebra, geometry, number theory, combinatorics, graph theory, discrete optimization, coding theory, cryptography, machine learning, computational algebra, information theory etc., underlies much of the developments in modern fields such as computer technology, communication networks and ecommerce. The rapidly increasing data and computational power has transformed businesses, sciences, and almost everything around us, and computational thinking is starting to be viewed as a fundamental skill required for everyone, similar to reading, writing, and arithmetic. Discrete mathematics lies at the heart of this skill. The Discrete Mathematics (DM) cluster consists of researchers in Applied Algebra and Geometry, Applied and Provable Security, Coding Theory and Cryptology, Discrete Algebra and Geometry, and Mathematical Communication Theory.
About the group
Building on a strong historical foundation in theoretical algebra and geometry, the Discrete Algebra and Geometry (DAG) group has a renewed additional focus on applied topics and collaboration with industry. The group includes Prof. Mireille Boutin (lead), Prof. Hans Cuijpers, Prof. Rob Eggermont and Prof. Samantha Fairchild. Theoretical algebra and geometry are a traditional strength of the DM cluster. In recent years, these areas have started to play a crucial role in the solution of problems encountered in applications, including problems that have been traditionally solved using more numerical approaches. For example, combining techniques from algebra/geometry and more traditional numerical methods has contributed to solving contemporary challenges in biology, optimization and machine learning, to name just a few. The DAG group is thus focusing its new hires on candidates with a core focus in algebra and/or geometry but with a view towards applications.
Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact Prof. Mireille Boutin, m.boutin@tue.nl.
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, HRServices.MCS@tue.nl.
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:
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.