PhD TA on Algorithms for complex networks

Position PhD-student

Irène Curie Fellowship No

Department(s) Mathematics and Computer Science

FTE 1,0

Date off 16/06/2024

Reference number V32.7466

Job description

As a PhD-TA candidate, you will work on new distributed algorithms for large networks, in particular, computing the stationary distribution of random walks and policy evaluation. Random walks are used in network analysis for ranking vertices, community detection, and embedding of the vertices in multi-dimensional space for machine learning tasks. Policy evaluation is widely used in reinforcement learning, for instance, for training large language models. Your challenge is to develop, analyze and implement algorithms where the network vertices act independently by learning from their local observations. You will mathematically analyze the algorithms on random graph models and implement them on large real-life networks.

The position is closely related to the NETWORKS program of the SPOR cluster at the TU/e. You will join a lively group of academic staff, PhD candidates and postdocs who all share their fascination for mathematics of complex networks.  You will greatly benefit from the many workshops on networks and random graphs at the Eurandom conference center based at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at the TU/e.

The PhD TA position is for 5 years with 30% of your time spent on education. Your advisor, as well as other members of the Probability group, are committed to effective innovative education. You will have the opportunity to use your creativity for designing, guiding and assessing new inspiring learning activities for the students, while we will guide you in your growth as educator.

Job requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in mathematics or applied mathematics.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Motivated to develop and implement innovative course design
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of employment

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 five years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 25% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• 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. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• 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.
• 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. 

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager, prof.dr. Nelly Litvak, n.v.litvak@tue.nl.
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.MCS@tue.nl.
Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.