Frits Spieksma

This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology offers an exciting opportunity to advance the theory and application of structural (mixed) integer programs, focusing on decision-making processes. The project centers on integer programs with well-structured constraint matrices, which can be efficiently solved by exploiting their mathematical properties. These structured integer programs are pivotal in optimizing operational efficiency and reducing costs across various domains. The research will extend the theoretical foundations of structural optimization, develop new algorithms, and apply these methods to problems in collective decision-making, voting, and fair resource allocation. The successful candidate will join the Combinatorial Optimization group within the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, working under the supervision of Dr. Alexandra Lassota and Professor Frits Spieksma. Responsibilities include conducting scientific research, publishing and presenting results internationally, and contributing to educational tasks such as course support and student supervision. The position offers full-time employment for four years, with a competitive salary (scale P: €3,059–€3,881/month), year-end bonus, vacation pay, pension scheme, paid parental leave, and additional allowances for commuting and home working. International candidates benefit from a tax compensation scheme and support from the Staff Immigration Team. Applicants must have a bachelor and master degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, or Econometrics, with a strong background in combinatorics and complexity theory. Good communication skills, creativity, ambition, and proficiency in English are essential. The application process is online only; candidates should submit a cover letter, CV (with publications and references), and transcripts. The position remains open until filled, with applications screened upon receipt. The university provides a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international research environment, excellent technical infrastructure, and support for personal and professional development.

This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology offers an exciting opportunity to advance the theory and application of structural (mixed) integer programs, focusing on decision-making processes. The project centers on integer programs with well-structured constraint matrices, enabling the development of efficient algorithms that can be exploited for improved operational efficiency and cost reduction. The research aims to extend the theoretical foundations of structural optimization, design new algorithms, and apply these methods to domains such as collective decision-making, voting, and fair resource allocation. As a PhD candidate, you will join the Combinatorial Optimization group within the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, working under the supervision of Dr. Alexandra Lassota and Professor Frits Spieksma. Your main responsibilities include conducting scientific research, publishing and presenting results at international venues, and supporting educational activities such as course assistance and student supervision for a small portion of your time. The position requires a bachelor and master degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, or Econometrics, with a strong background in combinatorics and complexity theory. Candidates should be creative, ambitious, self-motivated, proactive, and possess good communication skills. Proficiency in English is essential, while knowledge of Dutch is not required. Occasional travel may be part of the role. Employment is full-time for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. The salary is in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (€3,059–€3,881 per month), plus 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, technical infrastructure, on-campus childcare and sports facilities, commuting and home working allowances, and a tax compensation scheme (30% facility) for international candidates. The university provides a supportive environment for personal and professional growth, with a focus on autonomy and self-directed learning. Applications are accepted online only. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter detailing motivation, research experience, interests, and qualifications, a CV including publications and two academic references, and B.Sc. and M.Sc. transcripts. Reference letters are not required at this stage. The vacancy will remain open until filled, with a final application deadline of December 21, 2025. Please note that a pre-employment screening, such as a knowledge security check, may be part of the selection procedure. For further information about the project or working conditions, contact Dr. Alexandra Lassota ([email protected]) or Professor Frits Spieksma ([email protected]). For details on the application process and employment conditions, visit the university's website or career page. Apply via the provided online application link.

This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology focuses on the theoretical and computational aspects of discrete optimization problems, particularly those arising in operations research such as scheduling and integer programming. Many of these problems are classically NP-hard, but specific structured cases may allow for efficient solution methods. The research aims to identify tractable structures, develop new algorithms, and clarify the boundaries between polynomial-time solvability and inherent computational hardness. The project also seeks to translate theoretical advances into practical algorithmic frameworks for combinatorial optimization, with broad applications in supply chain management, resource allocation, fair division, and voting rules. You will join the Combinatorial Optimization group within the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at TU/e, working under the supervision of Dr. Alexandra Lassota and Professor Frits Spieksma. Your main responsibilities include conducting scientific research, publishing and presenting results at international venues, and assisting with educational tasks such as course support and student supervision. The position offers full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your time on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year. Employment conditions include a competitive salary (scale P, €3,059–€3,881 per month), year-end bonus (8.3%), annual vacation pay (8%), pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave, and allowances for commuting, working from home, and internet costs. International candidates benefit from a Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility). The university provides high-quality training programs, excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus childcare, and sports facilities. Applicants must hold a bachelor and master degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, or Econometrics, with a strong background in Combinatorics and Complexity Theory. Good command of English is required; Dutch is not necessary. Candidates should be creative, ambitious, self-motivated, proactive, goal-oriented, and possess good communication skills. Occasional travel is expected. The application must include a cover letter, CV with publications and references, and BSc/MSc transcripts. Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university in the Brainport region, known for its open and collaborative approach with high-tech industries. The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science is the largest at TU/e, with over 110 professors and nearly 300 PhD and EngD students. The university fosters a diverse and vibrant academic community, contributing to science and innovation both regionally and globally. Applications are accepted online only via the provided link. The vacancy remains open until filled, with priority given to complete applications. A pre-employment screening (knowledge security check) may be part of the selection procedure. For further information, contact the supervisors or HR services as listed in the position description.