A PhD position in Combinatorial Optimization and Algorithmic Game Theory is available at KU Leuven, Belgium.
Supervisor: Jannik Matuschke (https://sites.google.com/view/jannikmatuschke/)
Application link: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60680049?lang=en
Deadline: June 27, 2026
Project:
Our research is based at the intersection of discrete mathematics, theoretical computer science, and operations research. We are interested in the design and analysis of algorithms, and in structural insights related to problems in combinatorial optimization and algorithmic game theory. The precise scope of the PhD project will be defined together with the successful candidate, taking into account their background and our joint research interests.
Your profile:
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in mathematics, theoretical computer science, or a related subject, who recently completed their master’s degree or is about to complete it in 2026. The candidate should further have strong communication skills and the ability to conduct independent research as well as to collaborate in a team. Existing knowledge in combinatorial optimization and related areas is an asset. This may include, e.g., approximation algorithms, complexity theory, graph algorithms, linear and integer programming, game theory, or computational social choice.
Our offer:
We offer employment as full-time doctoral scholar, initially for one year and renewable for a total of four years after positive evaluation. The tentative starting date is September 2026, but can be adjusted depending on the availability of the candidate.
KU Leuven is the largest university of Belgium and ranked among the top 50 universities in the world. Leuven is a beautiful and livable city with a large and international student population in the heart of Europe, only a 20-min train-ride from Brussels and well-connected to many other European metropoles. Our faculty is located in the historic city center, just a 5-min walk from the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Groot Begijnhof".
The offer further includes:
- A diverse, interesting, and challenging job, providing both a significant degree of autonomy and ample opportunities for collaboration.
- A social, tolerant, and constructive work environment in an international and open-minded group.
- Opportunities and support for participation in summer schools, workshops, conferences, and research visits.
- A competitive salary with numerous benefits, including holiday and end-of-year allowances, reimbursement of commuting costs, automatic compensation of inflation, and more.
Interested?
For more information and instructions on how to apply see:
https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60680049?lang=en