Bettina Speckmann

The Eindhoven University of Technology invites applications for two PhD positions in Computational Geometry and Computational Topology. This research project centers on the design and analysis of algorithms for spatial data, with a particular focus on computing similarities between networks embedded in the Euclidean plane or on terrains. The aim is to develop topology- and geometry-aware graph edit distances, inspired by variants of the Fréchet distance between curves. As a PhD student, you will conduct research in close collaboration with your supervisory team, led by Dr. Tim Ophelders and Professor Dr. Bettina Speckmann. You will participate in international conferences and workshops to present your results and assist in teaching algorithms-related courses as a teaching assistant. The position is embedded within the TU/e Algorithms cluster, one of the largest research groups worldwide dedicated to algorithms research, offering a vibrant and international environment. The cluster’s research interests span computational geometry and topology, graph and FPT algorithms, moving object analysis, geo-visualization, and mobile agents. For more information about the cluster, visit https://algo.win.tue.nl/ . English is the working language at TU/e, and all courses are taught in English. Dutch language proficiency is not required for this position, and international candidates are welcome. The university is located in Brainport Eindhoven, a world-leading tech region with over 7,000 high-tech companies and strong R&D activity. TU/e is home to a diverse academic community, with more than 13,000 students and 7,000 staff. Requirements: Applicants must hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in Mathematics or Computer Science, with a strong background in algorithms. A passion for research in computational geometry and computational topology, interest in teaching, and fluency in spoken and written English (C1 level) are essential. Application materials must include a cover letter, CV (with publications), and contact information for three references. Incomplete applications may not be considered. A pre-employment screening may be part of the selection procedure. Funding and Benefits: The position offers full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. Salary is in scale P (€3,059–€3,881/month), with a year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. Additional benefits include a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave, high-quality training programs, excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus childcare and sports facilities, commuting and home-working allowances, and a tax compensation scheme (30% facility) for international candidates. Application Process: Applications must be submitted online via the provided link. Please include all required documents. The vacancy will remain open until filled, but for full consideration, submit your application by May 31, 2026. Applications sent by email or post will not be processed. For further information, contact Dr. Tim Ophelders at [email protected] . This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic and ambitious university, work in an interdisciplinary setting, and contribute to cutting-edge research in computational geometry and topology. The TU/e Algorithms cluster provides a supportive environment for academic and professional growth.

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.