PhD Position Discrete Mathematics and Optimization: Mathematical Phylogenetics

PhD Position Discrete Mathematics and Optimization:
Mathematical Phylogenetics

During this project, you will work on fundamental graph-theoretic and algorithmic problems in mathematical phylogenetics.

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 mathematical phylogenetics.

Phylogenetic networks are directed acyclic graphs often used to represent the evolutionary history of species. They are similar to the frequently seen tree of life diagrams, but also allow for non-vertical evolutionary events called reticulation events, which arise from processes such as hybridization, horizontal gene transfer, and recombination. Creating such networks from DNA sequences requires techniques from graph theory, theoretical computer science (algorithms), and statistics.

During this project, you will develop new methods to construct phylogenetic networks and generalize mathematical frameworks of phylogenetic network classes to tackle related problems in the field.

The PhD will be supervised by Yukihiro Murakami. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with postdocs, PhD candidates, and other faculty members of the research group. You will also work with various collaborators of Yukihiro Murakami.

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 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). Communication will be in English.

If desired, you can take Dutch language courses offered by the TU Delft Language Center.

• Strong Background: A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Mathematics or Computer Science or a closely related subject (such as Operations Research), with a solid foundation in graphs, networks, and algorithms. Biological knowledge is a plus, but not necessary.
• Mathematical Maturity:
  Ability to write mathematical proofs and formal texts as evidenced by a master's thesis report or similar documents.
• Language:
  Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Communication:
  You are able to communicate your ideas clearly and work effectively with a diverse set of researchers.

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.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty 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…