[Job-offers-cs] 3-year Postdoc Position in Symmetry Handling in Bilevel Programming at Eindhoven University of Technology

[Pekka Orponen]

In the Combinatorial Optimization group at Eindhoven University of 
Technology (The Netherlands), there is a vacancy for a 3-year postdoc 
position within the NWO/DFG project "SymBi: Exploiting Symmetries for 
Faster Bilevel Optimization Algorithms". This postdoc position is 
supervised by Christopher Hojny.


The vacancy can be found at 
https://www.tue.nl/en/working-at-tue/vacancy-overview/postdoc-in-symmetry-handling-in-bilevel-programming>
The vacancy remains open until a suitable candidate has been found and 
closes definitively on March 6, 2026.

Starting date: preferably June 1, 2026


PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Bilevel programming (BP) is a powerful mathematical framework for 
modeling hierarchical decision-making processes involving two players: a 
leader and a follower. In energy network design, for example, the leader 
aims to build a robust network that mitigates failures caused by the 
follower’s actions. A key characteristic of such applications is the 
presence of symmetries. For instance, a symmetric network naturally 
leads to symmetric failure scenarios, which are reflected in BP models. 
However, current BP software can neither detect nor exploit these 
symmetries. As a result, despite BP’s strong modeling capabilities, 
existing technology can only handle relatively small-scale problems.

In the SymBi project (Exploiting Symmetries for Faster Bilevel 
Optimization Algorithms), we address this limitation by developing a 
general mathematical theory of symmetries in BP and efficient algorithms 
for symmetry detection and exploitation. While the related field of 
mixed-integer programming (MIP) primarily uses symmetries to eliminate 
redundant parts of the solution space, SymBi goes further: it aims to 
enhance other components of BP solvers, such as cutting planes, to 
achieve a stronger coupling between leader and follower decisions.

The research activities of the postdoc will include

- defining a mathematically sound notion of symmetries for bilevel 
optimization problems,
- developing a novel theory for exploiting symmetries that is tailored 
for bilevel optimization problems, and
- implementing and testing the developed algorithms for solving 
benchmark problems.

Next to the research tasks, the postdoc will be asked to assist, for a 
small percentage of their time, with educational tasks (course support 
and supervision of students).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

- You are a motivated researcher, with a PhD in integer programming, 
bilevel programming, mathematical optimization, or a comparable domain.
- You have very good programming skills, preferably in C/C++.
- You are able to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in 
demonstrable outputs.
- You have a proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on 
schedule.
- You have excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good 
communication skills (knowledge of the Dutch language is not required).


CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

We offer a meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an 
interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will 
work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central 
train station. In addition, we offer you:

- Full-time employment for 3 years. Please note that for a postdoc 
position, our departmental policy is that we offer a one-year contract 
first, which is extended based on good performance.
- Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch 
Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
- A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
- High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics 
related to research and valorization.
- An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care 
and sports facilities.
- Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working 
from home and internet costs.
- A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and 
broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, 
training and workshops.
- A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as 
are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for 
moving expenses.


FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information about the project or about the working conditions, 
please contact Christopher Hojny (c.hojny at tue.nl).


HOW TO APPLY

Applications should be done through the following website:

https://www.tue.nl/en/working-at-tue/vacancy-overview/postdoc-in-symmetry-handling-in-bilevel-programming>
Besides personal and contact information, you should upload the 
following documents as PDFs:

- Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications 
for the position.
- Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the 
contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach 
out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend 
notifying your references upon submitting your application.
- List of up to five self-selected ‘best publications’.

Do not upload any other documents.