Bettina Speckmann

We invite applications for a PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology on reconfigurable robot collectives , within the RE-FLOW project (REconfigurable robot collectives for real-time FLOW control). The project explores how robot collectives can be used to manage crowds in dynamic urban environments in real time, combining computer science, robotics, control theory, and applied physics to build AI-enabled robot collectives as adaptive physical infrastructure. The PhD candidate will work in close collaboration with the supervisory team: Dr. Tim Ophelders , Dr. Elena Torta , and Prof. Dr. Bettina Speckmann . The research focuses on the algorithmic foundations needed to efficiently reconfigure robot collectives into target configurations, including the execution layer of the RE-FLOW architecture and the development of algorithms for both virtual and physical robots. The position is based in the TU/e Algorithms cluster, a large international research group focused on algorithms research, and connects to the broader TU/e AI ecosystem and the Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute (EAISI). The project also involves collaboration with the Roboflow group, which spans computer science, electrical engineering, applied physics, and mechanical engineering. This makes the role especially suitable for candidates interested in the intersection of algorithms, AI, robotics, and computational geometry. The successful candidate will participate in international conferences and workshops, present research results, and assist with algorithms-related teaching as a teaching assistant. The post is offered as full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months and a teaching load of at least 10% overall (maximum 15% per year). The salary is in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P, with a gross monthly base salary between €3,204 and €4,051, plus an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. Additional benefits include pension contributions, leave provisions, training opportunities, commuting and internet allowances, on-campus facilities, and support for international staff. Applicants should hold a master’s degree or equivalent in Mathematics or Computer Science, with a strong background in algorithms. The post also requires a strong interest in computational geometry and multi-agent motion planning, practical ability to implement motion-planning algorithms, interest in teaching, and fluent spoken and written English at C1 level. Dutch is not required. The application deadline for full consideration is 2 October 2026 . Applications must be submitted online and should include a cover letter, a CV with publication list, and contact information for up to three references. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is offering one PhD position in computational geometry and computational topology within the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and the TU/e Algorithms cluster. The project investigates how to compute similarities between networks in a spatial setting, such as networks embedded in the Euclidean plane or on a terrain. The research aims to develop topology- and geometry-aware graph edit distances, inspired by variants of the Fréchet distance for curves. This is an algorithmic and theoretical project with strong connections to spatial data, graph algorithms, and geometric/topological structures. The PhD student will work closely with the advisory team consisting of Dr. Tim Ophelders and Prof. Dr. Bettina Speckmann. The position is part of a lively international research environment: TU/e’s Algorithms cluster is described as one of the world’s largest groups focused on algorithms research, with strengths in computational geometry, topology, spatiotemporal data, algorithmic visualization, graph algorithms, and fixed-parameter algorithms. The role is primarily research-oriented, with responsibilities including presenting results at international conferences and workshops. In addition, the PhD student will assist with algorithms-related teaching as a teaching assistant. The post is full-time and runs for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. The employment includes teaching duties of at least 10% of the appointment over the full period, with up to 15% per year. Eligibility requirements include a master’s degree or equivalent in Mathematics or Computer Science, a strong background in algorithms, demonstrated interest in computational geometry and computational topology, willingness to teach, and fluent English at C1 level. Dutch language skills are not required, and the university explicitly notes that English is sufficient in both academic and everyday settings. The position is located at TU/e in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, on a green campus in the Brainport Eindhoven tech region. The university highlights a broad range of employment benefits, including pension participation, leave provisions, training opportunities, commuting/work-from-home support, and international-candidate support. Funding is provided through a salaried PhD employment contract under the Dutch Universities collective agreement. The gross monthly salary is listed on scale P from €3,204 to €4,051, with additional holiday allowance and year-end bonus. Applications should be submitted online and should include a cover letter, CV with publications, and contact details for up to three references. The vacancy remains open until filled, but full consideration is given to applications submitted by 2026-10-02.