The Applied Algebraic Geometry Group at KU Leuven, which is part of:
the Algebra section at the Department of Mathematics at KU Leuven, and
the Numerical Analysis and Applied Mathematics (NUMA) research unit at the Department of Computer Science,
has openings for several PhD students and postdoctoral researchers funded by Fatemeh Mohammadi's FWO Odysseus Research Grant. These positions are fully-funded at internationally competitive rates. The group aims to develop theoretical and computational tools in discrete mathematics and algebraic geometry to study problems in mathematics, statistics, theoretical computer science, industrial engineering, and quantum physics.
To apply for these positions, please submit the application documents (listed below) by email.
Projects:
We aim to develop theoretical and computational tools in mathematics (algebraic geometry, discrete mathematics, graph theory) to study various problems in theoretical computer science, statistics, industrial engineering, and quantum physics. The main objects of study are polynomial equations that mathematically model several real-world applications. The fundamental idea is to exploit the combinatorial and geometric structures of these polynomial systems and use them to efficiently solve them. Solving general polynomial systems tends to be extremely difficult, forcing us instead to restrict attention to special families of polynomial systems and continually developing new theoretical and algorithmic tools. In these PhD projects, we will consider topics related to:
Safety and Safety-violation (Computer Science)
Network Reliability (Industrial Engineering)
Realizability and Causal Inference (Algebraic Statistics)
Tensor Completions (Numerical Algebra)
Rigidity Theory (Discrete Mathematics)
Toric Geometry and Toric Degenerations
Tropical Algebraic Geometry
Current Open PhD Positions:
I have openings for several four-year PhD positions to start in 2025. The successful candidates will work in the area of Applied, Combinatorial, and Computational algebraic geometry. A master's degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or Computer Science is required.
What we offer:
Funded research PhD position for 4 years.
Excellent working conditions: PhD students are considered employees in Belgium and have access to all the benefits that comes with this status (including health insurance, pension, holidays, bicycle allowance, etc).
English is the working language, and no knowledge of Dutch or French is required.
Dedicated funds to (1) attend conferences/workshops (2) invite visitors/collaborators (3) organize scientific events.
Flexible starting date: however, the review of applications will start immediately until the positions are filled.
If you are interested, send me an email (first_name.last_name@kuleuven.be) containing the following:
Your CV
Motivation statement: Please describe your background, research experience, and motivation for your application in a maximum of 2 pages.
University transcripts of all degree programs you have been enrolled in.
A copy of your undergraduate project or master thesis.
Two letters of recommendation (being sent directly by the letter writers). This can be arranged after being shortlisted.
Additional Fellowships:
From time to time, I will announce open positions on this website. I am also happy to consider new students/postdocs outside the framework of the above open positions. In particular, I am happy to support strong applicants for the following schemes.
Feodor Lynen Research Fellowships: I am an eligible host for Feodor Lynen Fellowships for researchers who have obtained their PhD in Germany.
Undergraduate Students:
I have dedicated funds and am happy to supervise exceptionally strong undergraduate/master's students, both from Belgium and internationally, for research internships, theses, or reading courses. Write me an email if you are interested, and already have some background in themes similar to my research (algebra, combinatorics, polyhedral geometry, statistics). As a general rule of thumb, write to me only if you are at the top of your class or have related publications or medals in national/international competitions in mathematics, computer science or physics.