PhD in Computational Geometry and Computational Topology

Computational geometry and computational topology are areas of research focused on the design and analysis of algorithms for spatial data. These algorithms typically leverage geometric and topological structure present in the data to obtain efficient solutions. This project focuses on computing similarities between networks in a spatial context, such as networks embedded in the Euclidean plane, or on a terrain. We intend to develop topology- and geometry-aware graph edit distances, drawing inspiration from well-studied variants of the Fréchet distance between curves. The project is led by dr. Tim Ophelders and will employ two PhD students.

Information
As a PhD student working on the project, your main task will be to perform research, in close collaboration with your supervisory team and others involved in the project. Each PhD student will be guided by two advisors: dr. Tim Ophelders and prof. dr. Bettina Speckmann. Your tasks as a PhD student also include participating in international conferences and workshops to present your results. Besides working on your research project, you will also assist in some algorithms-related courses, as a teaching assistant (TA).

You will be working in the TU/e Algorithms cluster, one of the largest research groups world-wide that focuses on algorithms research. The cluster currently has 10 faculty members, whose research interests include computational geometry and topology, graph and FPT algorithms, moving object analysis, geo-visualization, and mobile agents; please visit for more details on the cluster. The cluster provides a lively and international environment for your research.

As a PhD student, you do need not speak Dutch: it is easy to get by with English, not only at the university (where all courses are taught in English) but also in everyday life.

Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Mathematics or Computer Science, with a strong background in algorithms.
• A passion for research in computational geometry and computational topology.
• An interest in teaching algorithms-related courses.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Contract terms

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities , scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process .
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment . Build on your career at TU/e!