PhD Position in Generating Cutting Planes by Exploiting Symmetry

Job description

Cutting planes and symmetry handling techniques are two of the most powerful components of mixed-integer programming (MIP) solvers and there exists a vast amount of literature on both topics. However, despite the success of both components, there seems to be almost no research on combining these two fields. This is an unused potential: if a MIP admits symmetries, then they also carry over to cutting planes.

The goal of this project is to transfer the positive effect of symmetry handling for an entire MIP to the generation of cutting planes. Among others, we will explore how symmetries can be used to generate cutting planes faster and to strengthen weak cutting planes in general MIP software. This project also gives the opportunity to evaluate the practical performance of the developed techniques in the state-of-the-art MIP software SCIP.

The successful candidate for this PhD position will work under the supervision of dr. Christopher Hojny in the group Combinatorial Optimization of the department of Mathematics and Computer Science of TU/e. Your responsibilities include to perform scientific research on the topic of the above-mentioned project and to publish your results at international conferences and in international journals. 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 master degree in (Applied) Mathematics or a related field.

• You have a strong background in Integer Programming, Discrete Optimization, and Combinatorial Optimization
• You are enthusiastic about programming, preferably in C.
• You have good communication skills.
• 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 evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• 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.
• 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. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr. Christopher Hojny, c.hojny[at]tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.MCS[at]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 on this page. Please note that
incomplete applications will not be considered and will be rejected without evaluation. The application should include:

• 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.
• BSc and MSc transcripts.

We look forward to your application and will screen it as soon as we have received it. Screening will continue
until the position has been filled. 

You can upload a maximum of 5 documents (max. 2 MB each). Applications that are sent to us a in a different way will not be considered.