PhD position in Operations Research - Decision Diagrams for Combinatorial Optimization

KU Leuven; Vlaams-Brabant; On-site; EUR 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded PhD

Competitive scholarship

Job summary

KU Leuven’s ORSTAT group invites a highly motivated candidate to join a four-year PhD project on decision diagram-based methods for combinatorial optimization. The position starts January 2027 and is fully funded, with strong supervision and international visibility.

The successful candidate will hold a Master’s degree in CS or Applied Mathematics, work on theory, algorithms, and real applications, and publish in top journals while exploring independent ideas within the research theme.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in CS or Applied Math or related field.
• Solid background in mathematical programming and combinatorial optimization.
• Experience with decision diagrams or related methodologies is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop theory and algorithms for decision diagram-based methods.
• Advance state-of-the-art in combinatorial optimization.
• Publish research results in top journals and conferences.
• Collaborate with supervisor and researchers at KU Leuven.

Skills

Mathematical optimization

Combinatorial optimization

Algorithm design

Decision diagrams

Education

Master’s degree in Computer Science

Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics

Tools

Decision diagrams

Optimization software

Job description

PhD position in Operations Research - Decision Diagrams for Combinatorial Optimization

(ref. BAP-2026-619) (Laatst aangepast: 06/10/26)

The ORSTAT research group at the Faculty of Economics and Business of KU Leuven (Belgium) conducts internationally leading research in Operations Research (OR) and Statistics. Our work addresses challenging problems in combinatorial optimization, stochastic modeling, and data-driven decision-making.

We are looking for a full-time PhD student in OR, starting in January 2027. The successful candidate will work closely with prof. Roel Leus on advancing the state of the art in decision diagram-based methods for combinatorial optimization, including the development of new theory, algorithms, and high-impact applications. The candidate is expected to develop novel research directions and publish in leading journals, while being encouraged to pursue independent ideas within the broader research theme.

We offer a dynamic and stimulating research environment with strong international visibility. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to methodological advances with applications across a wide range of complex optimization problems.

Profile

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, and has a strong background in mathematical programming, combinatorial optimization, and algorithm design. Prior experience with decision diagrams or related methodologies is a definite asset.

Offer

A fully funded four-year PhD appointment (conditional on successful yearly evaluations). A competitive doctoral scholarship in accordance with KU Leuven regulations, see PhD working conditions below. The tentative starting date is January 1, 2027.

October 21, 2026

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

location_city Locatie: Leuven