PhD positions Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning Graphs and Networks

2x PhD positions in the Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning on Graphs and Networks

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The Discrete Mathematics and Mathematical Programming (DMMP) group at the University of Twente is looking for two PhD candidates to join the research team of Dr. Gaurav Rattan. The positions are funded by the NWO VIDI project Learning on Graphs:
Symmetry Meets Structure (LOGSMS).

The field of Machine Learning on Graphs aims to extract knowledge from graph-structured and network data through powerful machine learning models. Designing provably powerful learning models for graphs will require new mathematical machinery.

LOGSMS will combine diverse tools from discrete mathematics, learning theory and machine learning, thus facilitating the design and analysis of such models.

PhD position 1 will focus on developing new graph-theoretic frameworks for analyzing graph learning models, such as Graph Neural Networks or Graph Transformers.

PhD position 2 will focus on designing scalable graph learning models, primarily geared towards assisting combinatorial solvers for practical graph algorithm benchmarks.

• You have, or will shortly, acquire a Master's degree in either Mathematics or Computer Science. Other related degrees (such as ML/AI) will also be considered.
• You should have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• A strong background in graph theory and graph algorithms is necessary.
• For PhD position 1, we appreciate prior mathematical exposure to at least one of the following topics: random graphs, mathematical logic or statistical learning theory.
• For PhD position 2, we appreciate prior experience in implementing deep learning models for graphs and networks.

• As a PhD candidate at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.059,- (first year) to € 3.881,- (fourth year).
• There are excellent benefits, including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Flexibility to work (partially) from home.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before
16 January 2026
, and just upload:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae, which also includes the contact details of two academic references.
• Academic Transcripts with the list of all courses attended and grades obtained.
• A brief Cover Letter indicating your interest and suitability for your preferred position(s).

For enquiries regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Dr. Gaurav Rattan via the following email address: g.rattan

Screening is part of the selection process.

The Department of Applied Math at the University of Twente has a diverse and vibrant environment for research in Machine Learning and adjoining areas, such as Deep Learning, Mathematical Statistics, Combinatorial Optimisation and Operations Research.

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of atech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.

Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes:
Mesa+ Institute, Tech Med Centre and Digital Society Institute.

Title

2x PhD positions in the Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning on Graphs and Networks

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