PhD in Computational Social Choice

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.

With over 110 (assistant, associate and full) professors, almost 300 PhD and EngD students, about 1500 Bachelor students and 1000 Master students, the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS) is the largest department of the TU/e. By performing top-level fundamental and applied research, and maintaining strong ties with industry, M&CS aims to contribute to science and innovation in and beyond the region.

Introduction

Are you excited about theoretical research with societal impact? The Algorithms cluster at TU Eindhoven is looking for a PhD student in Computational Social Choice, advised by Ulrike Schmidt-Kraepelin. Candidates should have a strong background in discrete mathematics and algorithms, ideally with some familiarity with game theory or social choice theory.

Job Description

Computational social choice studies how to aggregate individual preferences into fair and efficient collective decisions — for example, in elections, resource allocation, or public budgeting. The field lies at the intersection of computer science, mathematics, and economics, and draws on tools from various areas such as game theory, algorithm design, and discrete optimization.

The PhD project will focus on axiomatic and algorithmic questions in social choice theory, for example in the context of multiwinner elections, the allocation of a public budget, apportionment, or fair allocation. Ideally, the selected candidate will contribute to a new research line exploring randomization in social choice.

The position is part of the Algorithms cluster at TU/e, a vibrant research environment with many opportunities for collaboration — for example, with researchers in computational geometry and parameterized complexity.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent degree) in mathematics, computer science, or a related field.
• A strong background in discrete mathematics and algorithms, and most importantly, a genuine interest in developing and writing mathematical proofs.
• Ideally familiarity with discrete optimization, randomized algorithms, game theory, or social choice.
• Motivation to develop your teaching skills.
• Fluency 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 four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. (Subject to financial approval, a fifth year may be added in exchange for additional teaching duties.)
• 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. € 2,901 max. € 3,707).  
• 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

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Ulrike Schmidt-Kraepelin, assistant professor, [email protected].

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact [email protected].

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:

• A cover letter describing your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Transcripts of your bachelor’s and master’s studies.
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications (if available) and the contact details of 1–3 references (for example, your master’s thesis supervisor).

We look forward to receiving your application by May 30. The position will remain open until it is filled.