PhD position in Optimisation and Optimal Transport University of Twente in Netherlands

The University of Twente invites applications for a PhD position in Optimisation and Optimal Transport, as part of the NWO-VIDI project “SPARGO: Exploring and Exploiting the Geometric Landscape of Infinite-Dimensional Sparse Optimisation” led by Dr. Marcello Carioni. The project focuses on developing theoretical frameworks and compression algorithms for infinite-dimensional data, leveraging optimal transport to compare data distributions and capture geometric structures. Applications span neural network training, imaging, and the analysis and numerical solution of partial differential equations.

The successful candidate will join the Mathematics of Imaging and Artificial Intelligence (MIA) group within the Department of Applied Mathematics, benefiting from a stimulating scientific environment and opportunities for collaboration with researchers at the University of Cambridge and KFU Graz. The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) at the University of Twente is renowned for its contributions to ICT and digital society, with research integrated into multidisciplinary institutes such as Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre, and Digital Society Institute.

The position offers a full-time appointment for four years, with a qualifier in the first year. The gross monthly salary ranges from €3,059 in the first year to €3,881 in the fourth year, complemented by excellent benefits including a holiday allowance (8%), end-of-year bonus (8.3%), a solid pension scheme, flexible work-from-home options, a minimum of 232 leave hours, free access to sports facilities, and family-friendly policies such as paid and unpaid parental leave. The Twente Graduate School provides a tailored training programme, fostering responsibility, independence, and collaboration.

Applicants must hold or soon obtain an MSc degree in Mathematics, with a strong theoretical foundation in areas such as optimisation, functional analysis, optimal transport, inverse problems, partial differential equations, or calculus of variations. Interest in coding and programming skills is expected, and proficiency in English is required. The application should include a detailed CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, MSc thesis summary, and references from two scientific staff members (one being the MSc thesis supervisor). Female applicants are particularly encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is March 25, 2026. For further information, contact Dr. Marcello Carioni at [email protected].

Apply online via the University of Twente careers portal. Screening is part of the selection process.