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# PhD in Combinatorial Optimization and Algorithmic Game Theory

- **Company:** KU Leuven
- **Location:** Leuven, Belgium
- **Contract:** Temporary contract
- **Skills:** Game Theory, Integer Programming, Information Technology
- **Published:** June 5, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerjet.be/jobad/bec7eb4e584585eb484cc811cb2c18cfbe

## About the Role

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in mathematics, theoretical computer science, or a related subject, who recently completed their master's degree or is about to complete it in 2026. Excellent skills in mathematics (including the ability to derive and express complex results both at a formal and at an intuitive level) should be demonstrated by an outstanding master thesis and strong grades in relevant courses.
The candidate should further have strong communication skills (including good command of spoken and written English) and the ability both to conduct independent research and to collaborate in a team. Existing knowledge in combinatorial optimization or a related area is an asset; this may include, e.g., approximation algorithms, complexity theory, graph algorithms, linear and integer programming, game theory, or computational social choice., 3. a writing sample illustrating the candidate's ability for mathematical writing; this can be, e.g., the candidate's master thesis (or an excerpt from a current draft of the master thesis), or other relevant individual coursework

 4. copies of university diplomas and complete transcripts., Research Field Computer science Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Mathematics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent
Research Field Computer science » Informatics Years of Research Experience None, We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in mathematics, theoretical computer science, or a related subject, who recently completed their master's degree or is about to complete it in 2026. Excellent skills in mathematics (including the ability to derive and express complex results both at a formal and at an intuitive level) should be demonstrated by an outstanding master thesis and strong grades in relevant courses.
The candidate should further have strong communication skills (including good command of spoken and written English) and the ability both to conduct independent research and to collaborate in a team. Existing knowledge in combinatorial optimization or a related area is an asset; this may include, e.g., approximation algorithms, complexity theory, graph algorithms, linear and integer programming, game theory, or computational social choice.
While the primary focus of the position is research, it also involves a limited contribution to the teaching efforts of the group, mostly consisting of guidance to Master thesis students.



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