PhD Position Combinatorics

Delft; Netherlands; Remote; EUR 38,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) invites applications for a full-time PhD position in combinatorics within the Discrete Mathematics and Optimization group. The PhD is supervised by Carla Groenland, with opportunities to collaborate with other faculty and a related joint vacancy at the University of Amsterdam.

As a PhD candidate you will conduct mathematical research, prepare publications, participate in seminars, and present at conferences.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in mathematics is a requirement by start of position.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential.
• Fluent in English; Dutch knowledge not required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in probabilistic and extremal combinatorics and structural graph theory.
• Collaborate with postdocs, PhD candidates and faculty members.
• Present work at national and international conferences and workshops.
• Carry out minor teaching tasks (up to 15%).

Skills

Strong communication

Fluent English

Enthusiasm for combinatorics

Research experience

Education

Master's degree in Mathematics or closely related discipline

Job description

The Discrete Mathematics and Optimization group within the Delft Institute of Applied Mathematics at TU Delft is offering a full-time PhD position in the area of combinatorics.

During the PhD, you will work on topics at the intersection of probabilistic and extremal combinatorics, structural graph theory and algorithms. We study problems on discrete structures such as graphs, permutations, posets or set systems using probabilistic, structural and sometimes algebraic techniques. Potential directions include topics such as universal graphs ('What is the smallest graph containing all n-vertex graphs as induced subgraph?'), reconstruction problems ('How many distances are required to reconstruct the edge set of a graph?') or finding structures that can lead to faster algorithms ('How fast can you 3-colour an n-vertex graph of diameter 2?').

The PhD will be supervised by Carla Groenland. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with postdocs, PhD candidates, and other faculty members of the research group in Discrete Mathematics and Optimization. Moreover, another PhD vacancy at University of Amsterdam, jointly supervised with Ross Kang on a similar topic, is open now at the same time, giving further collaboration opportunities.

Besides carrying out mathematical research and preparing scientific publications, you will be expected to actively participate in seminars and discussions within the department, and to present your work at both national and international conferences and workshops. You will also carry out minor teaching tasks (at most 15% of your time) in English (or possibly Dutch if you are Dutch-speaking). If desired, you can take Dutch language courses offered by the TU Delft Language Center.

Job requirements

• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Mathematical maturity on the level of a master's degree in mathematics. A master's degree in mathematics (or closely related discipline) is a requirement by the start of the position.
• Enthusiasm for topics in probabilistic and extremal combinatorics and/or structural graph theory. Prior experience in these topics is not required but advantageous.
• Prior research experience, for example through a university project or summer internship.
• Fluent in English (no knowledge of Dutch is needed).

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground‑breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from€3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline‑related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service , offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Faculty/Department: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics & Computer Science

FTE: 1.0

Submission is possible until: 9 Oct 2026