Job description
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. This project has a vacancy for one PhD student.
Information
As a PhD student working on the project, your main task will be to perform research, in close collaboration with your advisory team and others involved in the project. The advisory team consists of dr. Tim Ophelders and prof. dr. Bettina Speckmann. One PhD student is already working on the project. 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 (algo.win.tue.nl), one of the largest research groups world-wide that focuses on algorithms research. The cluster is known for its research in computational geometry and topology, algorithms for spatiotemporal data, and algorithmic visualization, as well as graph and FPT algorithms. 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.
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
Fixed-term contract: 4 years.
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. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time)).
- In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
- Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
- As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
- 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, and on-campus children's day care.
- Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
- We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
- An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
- A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) for international candidates.
On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!
Employer
TU/e
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.
Additional information
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.
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.
Join the Eindhoven University of Technology and contribute to a brighter tomorrow for us all. Find out what sets TU/e apart.
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