"PhD-positions in field of Operations Research"

The Department of Quantitative Economics at Maastricht University School of Business and Economics is looking to fill 2 PhD positions in the field of Operations Research & Econometrics.

We are looking for a PhD-candidate interested in topics that lie on the border of optimization by the use of heuristic algorithms and (Explainable) Artificial Intelligence ((X)AI). Specifically, in this position, the chosen candidate will conduct research on how machine learning techniques or XAI can be leveraged by heuristic algorithms, or conversely, how heuristics can be enhanced by incorporating machine learning techniques. Research proposals on these topics are welcome, but not mandatory. We also encourage candidates with a broader interest in Operations Research and/or Data Science to apply.

The PhD position is within the Operations Research group. Details about the Operations Research group and the Department of Quantitative Economics can be found here.

Our department hosts a vibrant, culturally diverse PhD community and warmly welcomes enthusiastic and talented new PhD candidates.

Requirements: Candidates need to hold a master's degree (or be close to completion) in Operations Research, Data Science, (Applied) Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering or an equivalent study program and should demonstrate excellent study results. Proficient programming skills are required (ideally Python, Julia, Java or C++). Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.

The starting date is negotiable, but we aim to fill the position before September 2026.

What we offer: As PhD-positions in field of Operations Research at School of Business and Economics, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you: Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale P according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €3059 and €3881 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply. An employment contract for a period of 18 months with a scope of 1.0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 2.5 years will follow. At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model. As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students. Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'.

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply.