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

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.

Please find out more here: Dr. G. Rattan

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before31 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@utwente.nl

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 a tech 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, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.