The Department of Decision Sciences and Information Management at the Faculty of Economics and Business, KU Leuven (Belgium) is looking for candidates for a position as PhD student in Combinatorial Optimization and Algorithmic Game Theory under the supervision of Jannik Matuschke.
Project
Our research is based at the intersection of discrete mathematics, theoretical computer science, and operations research. Our work focusses on the design and analysis of algorithms, as well as structural insights related to problems in combinatorial optimization and algorithmic game theory. One of our current projects studies the complexity of network interdiction games, where both players have an exponential number of possible strategies. We are looking for new insights into the structure of these games that allow us to compute approximately optimal strategies. The PhD project can connect to this or other projects related to the aforementioned research themes. The precise scope will be defined jointly with the successful candidate, taking into account their background and our joint research interests.
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. Excellent skills in mathematics (including the ability to derive and express complex results both at a formal and at an intuitive level) should be demonstrated by an outstanding master thesis and strong grades in relevant courses.
The candidate should further have strong communication skills (including good command of spoken and written English) and the ability both to conduct independent research and to collaborate in a team. Existing knowledge in combinatorial optimization or a related area is an asset; this may include, e.g., approximation algorithms, complexity theory, graph algorithms, linear and integer programming, game theory, or computational social choice.
While the primary focus of the position is research, it also involves a limited contribution to the teaching efforts of the group, mostly consisting of guidance to Master thesis students.
Offer
We offer an 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 significant degrees 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, please contact:
Prof. Dr. Jannik Matuschke
https://sites.google.com/view/jannikmatuschke/home
[email protected]
Applications should be submitted through KU Leuven’s online tool (via the link below), and should include:
1. a short motivation letter with a statement of relevant skills and research interests;
2. a curriculum vitae, including contacts of at least two references;
3. a writing sample illustrating the candidate’s ability for mathematical writing; this can be, e.g., the candidate’s master thesis (or an excerpt from a current draft of the master thesis), or other relevant individual coursework
4. copies of university diplomas and complete transcripts.
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.
