Assistant Professors in Mission-Driven Research on Future-Proof Networks

Introduction

Are you eager to fuel a quantum leap in network mathematics by designing and analyzing Future-Proof Networks that deliver tangible benefits to society? And are you motivated by mission-driven, collaborative research with real-world impact? The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is looking for three Assistant Professors as founding faculty members of an ambitious moonshot research initiative on Future-Proof Networks. We are looking for researchers who are fully committed to the mission of Future-Proof Networks - networks that are robust, adaptive and sustainable by design. Successful candidates will be able to translate this mission into clear and actionable research goals and will be motivated to demonstrate and validate Future-Proof Networks concepts in practice, bridging fundamental theory and real-world applications.

Job Description

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science is in the process of formulating and achieving a moonshot research initiative on Future-Proof Networks. The research questions focus on the mathematical foundations of networks, aiming to enable networked systems that are inherently robust, adaptive, and sustainable by design, with the ultimate goal of delivering meaningful societal impact. The moonshot addresses research questions in the mathematics of networks, focusing on how network structure, dynamics, uncertainty, and scale can be understood and controlled to ensure long‑term performance and resilience. The ambition is to advance fundamental theory while creating direct pathways toward practice and societal relevance. The scientific leadership and intellectual inspiration for this moonshot is provided by Prof. Remco van der Hofstad.

We are looking for researchers who embrace interdisciplinary research within the disciplines of mathematics (statistics, stochastic operations research, probability, analysis, discrete mathematics) and across disciplines (e.g., data science, computer science, and the humanities) to achieve the mission of Future-Proof Networks. We expect successful candidates to contribute actively to the development of a mission-driven research program with clear routes to societal impact. Possible contributions include, but are not limited to:

• Develop foundational design paradigms for Future-Proof Networks that embed robustness, adaptability, and sustainability.
• Ensure theoretical guarantees for network functionality, performance, and resilience under uncertainty and change.
• Advancing the scientific community by providing novel theories, methods, and analytical tools for the study of complex networks.
• Facilitate schools nationally and worldwide to deploy our research-based instruments.

The ideal candidate has a research profile that aligns with Network Mathematics, and has research experience in a multidisciplinary environment, and experience with mission-driven research. You will strengthen the moonshot focus areas, and broaden its capacity in addressing societal problems in network mathematics. You will contribute in an essential way to shaping the focus of the moonshot, as well as performing research targeting the moonshot research questions. You also play a leading role in building a community within the Department around the moonshot research questions on Future-Proof Networks. Candidates with a background in statistics and stochastic operations research are particularly encouraged to apply.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Mathematics, Statistics, or a comparable domain.
• Strong communication skills, across the boundaries of your scientific domain.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• Experience in successful interdisciplinary research.
• Experience in conducting research with external non-academic partners.
• Motivation to engage in mission-driven research on Future-Proof Networks, with a focus on delivering targets, providing proof-of-concept, and showcasing results, where experience is beneficial.
• Motivated to teach, contribute to teaching processes, and to develop excellent teaching skills.
• Effective communication and leadership skills, including the ability to (co-) supervise PhD candidates, BSc and MSc thesis students, and leading a research project.
• Strong cooperation skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Effective communication and leadership skills, including coaching and mentoring of students and staff, leading a project or chairing a group.
• Ability to develop and deliver research-oriented education.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English.

Conditions of Employment

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:

• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 11 (min. € 4728,- max € 6433,-). 
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• A dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.
• A Development Track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor. If you have a more senior profile, a tailor-made career proposal will be considered.
• High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and partner career support.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

You will join the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS). With over 140 (assistant, associate and full) professors, almost 250 PhD and EngD students, nearly 3000 students, M&CS is the largest department of the TU/e. By performing top-level fundamental and applied research, and maintaining strong ties with industry, M&CS aims to contribute to science and innovation in and beyond the region.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager Prof. dr. Remco van der Hofstad, Full professor in Probability, [email protected].

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Annette van Kamp-Rustenburg, senior recruiter, [email protected].

Curious to hear more about what it is like as a professor at TU/e? Please watch the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application. The application should include a:

• 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.
• Description of your scientific interests and plans, including a specific proposal of a societal network challenge that you would like to work on (1-2 pages).
• Statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages).

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application and will review all submissions after the vacancy’s closing date.

Please note 

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services. 

1. Annette Kamp - Rustenburg, [email protected]