PhD position in Optimization, Optimal Transport and Inverse Problems

We are looking for a talented, research-oriented PhD candidate to join the project "Curve Ensemble Gradient Descents for Sparse Dynamic Problems".

Optimization methods in the space of measures have seen a dramatic increase in popularity in recent years. This is largely due to two factors: their connections with Optimal Transport (OT) and Wasserstein Gradient Flows, and their applicability to solve inverse problems and design infinite-dimensional machine learning algorithms.

The goal of this project is the analysis of dynamic optimization problems for time-dependent measures, where motion is governed by the penalization of OT energies. We plan to adopt a sparse perspective, analyzing how collections of trajectories can be employed to approximate dynamic distributions and how gradient descent methods in the space of curves can be used to achieve this goal. A full understanding of these dynamic problems and their efficient optimization is essential to address a wide class of inverse problems and machine learning methods. In particular, applications to single-particle tracking (SPT) for fluorescence microscopy and neuralODEs training will be considered.

The PhD candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Marcello Carioni and will be part of the group “Mathematics of Imaging and Artificial Intelligence” (MIA) at the Department of Applied Mathematics. There will be plenty of opportunities for collaboration with researchers in the group of Prof. Carola Schönlieb at the University of Cambridge and in the group of Prof. Kristian Bredies at KFU Graz.

Your profile

You have, or will shortly acquire, an MSc degree in Mathematics;

You have a solid theoretical foundation in one or more of the following topics: continuous optimization, functional analysis, optimal transport, inverse problems, partial differential equations, calculus of variations;

You are interested in improving your coding/programming skills during the PhD;

You are proficient in English.

Our offer

As a PhD candidate at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment;

The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;

Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);

You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.770,- (first year) to € 3.539,- (fourth year);

There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;

The flexibility to work (partially) from home;

A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis;

Free access to sports facilities on campus;

A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);

You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;

We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 5th of April 2024 , and include:

A motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation to apply for a PhD position in this research area.

A detailed Curriculum Vitae.

An academic transcript of BSc and MSc education, including grades.

A summary of your MSc thesis/final project.

References (contact information) of two scientific staff members (one of whom should be the supervisor of your MSc thesis/final project) who are willing to provide a recommendation letter at our request.

We particularly encourage/support female applicants to apply.

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Dr. Marcello Carioni ([email protected])

About the organisation

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 people-first 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.

Want to know more? Carioni, M. (Marcello)

Assistant Professor

Carioni, M. (Marcello)

Assistant Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Marcello for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Contact

Phone:+31534898407

Email:[email protected]

How to apply Step 1

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Step 2

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer.

Your Colleagues

Brune, C. (Christoph)

Personal page

Iglesias Martínez, J. A. (José)

Personal page

Del Grande, L. (Leonardo)

Personal page

Our mission Human Touch

At the UT it's all about people, in line with our university's High Tech Human Touch philosophy. In everything we do, the well-being and future of our students and staff are paramount. From research and teaching to personnel management, campus management and the use of new technologies.

Our mission We are a university of technology

Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

Our mission We help to strengthen society

We help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life.

Our mission We are sustainable

We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

Browse all jobs