PhD position in Algebraic Combinatorics at TU Eindhoven

Functieomschrijving

In the Combinatorial Optimization group at Eindhoven University ofîechnology (The Netherlands), there is a vacancy for a 4 year PhD-position within the NWO Vidi project "Finding network structure beyond the spectrum: new frontiers and new methods". This PhD position is supervised by Aida Abiad (https://aidaabiad.win.tue.nl/).

The preferring starting date is September 2023.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project seeks to deduce structural properties of a graph from the graph spectrum. Properties such as connectedness, diameter and regularity, are known to be related to the spectrum of a graph. Nevertheless, for most relevant graph structures the problem remains open, and the existing spectral tools are not sufficient, indicating that genuinely new methods are needed. In this project we will tackle this challenge by strengthening and unifying spectral methods and combining them with tools from other fields like combinatorial optimization, finite geometry and group theory.

The successful candidate for this PhD position will work under the supervision of Aida Abiad in the group Combinatorial Optimization (https://www.tue.nl/en/) 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).

Functie-eisen

• You have a bachelor and master degree in Mathematics.
• You have a strong background in Graph Theory and/or Combinatorics.
• You are enthusiastic about programming, preferably in Sage/Python.
• 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).

Arbeidsvoorwaarden

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.

Informatie en sollicitatie

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

For more information about the project or about the working conditions, please contact Aida Abiad (a.abiad.monge[at]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[at]tue.nl).

APPLICATION

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.
The application should include 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.
• BSc and MSc 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.