Delft University of Technology, Delft Institute of Applied Mathematics

Position ID: TUDelft-PHDSTUDENT [#24115]
Position Title: PhD student
Position Type: Student programs
Position Location: Delft, Zuid-Holland 2600GA, Netherlands [map] sort by distance
Subject Area: stochastic processes on scale-free and spatial random graphs
Application Deadline: 2024/01/07 11:59PMhelp popup (posted 2023/12/21, listed until 2024/01/07)
Position Description:    

*** the listing date or deadline for this position has passed. ***

PhD POSITION ON STOCHASTIC PROCESSES ON SCALE-FREE AND SPATIAL RANDOM GRAPHS

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to work under the supervision of Dr. Julia Komjathy, Associate professor in the Applied Probability group of Delft Institute of Applied Mathematics (DIAM). The PhD position is in the area of discrete probability theory, random graphs and stochastic processes on random graphs. Spatial networks and processes on them are the hidden backbone of our modern lives: the internet, social media, electric grids, road networks, and infectious diseases, for example. Since the 1950’s several simple models have been developed to study these phenomena. Surprisingly, even the simplest models exhibit deeply complex behaviors: they have become a focal point for modern Probability Theory. Recently, we discovered a model class that contains many simple classical models but is much larger, without being more complicated: kernel‐based spatial random graphs (KSRGs). KSRGs exhibit an even richer level of complexity. 

With the PhD student, we will focus on new behaviors of classical processes: percolation, first passage percolation, random walk, and the contact process. Our goal is to discover the different possible behaviors these processes exhibit, including several surprising phenomena that only become apparent from the KSRG perspective. Counterintuitive behavior of processes on spatial networks include:

- explosive spreading in spatial models.
- the impossibility of exponential growth in spatial epidemics.
- the possibility of polynomial epidemic growth faster than the dimension.
- convergence of random walk not to Brownian but to α‐stable motion. 

Standard proof techniques (mean‐field approximation, translation invariance) fail at the KSRG level of generality, but KSRGs give us a powerful new toolkit: The class is closed under coupling, superposition and a new kind of renormalisation group, allowing us to develop robust new proof techniques. 

REQUIREMENTS 

You are the ideal candidate if you:

- Hold or soon will hold a master's degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, or Theoretical physics.
- Have a profound knowledge of methods in probability.
- Have eagerness to explore complex mathematical challenges.
- Would like to explore the world of mathematical network models.
- Have English proficiency both written and spoken.
- Are independent, self-motivated and eager to learn new things.
- Like working both independently and collaboratively in international teams.
- Have an interest or experience in teaching and guiding students. 

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

This position combines a 6-year PhD project with teaching responsibilities and includes an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. The total teaching load is 40%. In the first four years, the expected division between teaching and PhD research is 50/50; in the final two years the teaching load is reduced to 20%. This gives a total of 3.6 years of PhD research, and 2.4 of educational responsibilities. 

The primary educational activities will be participating in teaching teams at the bachelor level (teaching for engineers basic courses like intro to probability, linear algebra, calculus, etc), co-designing courses, providing lectures, recruiting and managing the teaching assistants, and (co)-creating and evaluating exercises and exams. Candidates in a teaching PhD track are also involved in co-supervising bachelor and master students in their research thesis projects, as well as in co-teaching master courses in the area of their research in later years of their PhD track. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 EUR per month in the first year to € 3539 from the fourth year on. 

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. 

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. 

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Starting date is negotiable.

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 limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For scientific inquiries about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Julia Komjathy at j.komjathy@tudelft.nl 

In order to simplify communication, please add the prefix [PhDKomjathy2024] to the email's subject.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE 

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before January 7, 2024 via the application button and upload the following material: 

- A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) addressed to Julia Komjathy. 
- The motivation letter should summarize: why you would like to do a PhD, why you are interested in the project/topic, why your profile is suitable for the job, and what you hope to gain from the position. 
- A detailed CV .
- Name and contact information of 2-3 references, DO NOT send reference letters.
- A transcript of BSc and MSc grades.
- Your bachelor's and master's theses (the latter if you have already graduated). If available online, a link is sufficient. 
- If available, a summary of the theses can be added. 
- Optional: (draft) versions of papers that you have submitted/published. 

You will be contacted by Julia Komjathy for an interview if you are among the leading candidates, in which case more specific information will be provided. 

Please note: 
- A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure. 
- You can only apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Sabine van Puffelen, email vacancies-EEMCS@tudelft.nl     

We are not accepting applications for this job through MathJobs.Org right now. Please vacancies-EEMCS@tudelft.nl.
Contact: Julia Komjathy
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Web Page: https://www.tudelft.nl/over-tu-delft/werken-bij-tu-delft/vacatures/details?jobId=15214&jobTitle=PhD%20position%20Stochastic%20processes%20on%20scale-free%20and%20spatial%20random%20graphs