PhD position in Operations Research

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Department ORSTAT/FEB Research Field Computer science » Programming Economics » Business economics Mathematics » Combinatorial analysis Mathematics » Applied mathematics Mathematics » Algorithms Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 21 Oct 2026
- 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP-2026-619 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

We are looking for a full-time PhD student in OR, starting in January 2027. The successful candidate will work closely with prof. Roel Leus on advancing the state of the art in decision diagram-based methods for combinatorial optimization, including the development of new theory, algorithms, and high-impact applications. The candidate is expected to develop novel research directions and publish in leading journals, while being encouraged to pursue independent ideas within the broader research theme.

We offer
a dynamic and stimulating research environment with strong international visibility. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to methodological advances with applications across a wide range of complex optimization problems. The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, and has a strong background in mathematical programming, combinatorial optimization, and algorithm design. Prior experience with decision diagrams or related methodologies is a definite asset. A fully funded four-year PhD appointment (conditional on successful yearly evaluations). A competitive doctoral scholarship in accordance with KU Leuven regulations, see PhD working conditions below .
The tentative starting date is January 1, 2027. For more information please contact Prof. dr. Roel Leus, mail: roel.leus@kuleuven.be .

A fully funded four-year PhD appointment (conditional on successful yearly evaluations). A competitive doctoral scholarship in accordance with KU Leuven regulations, see PhD working conditions below .
The tentative starting date is January 1, 2027.

Eligibility criteria

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, and has a strong background in mathematical programming, combinatorial optimization, and algorithm design. Prior experience with decision diagrams or related methodologies is a definite asset.

Selection process

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Roel Leus, mail: roel.leus@kuleuven.be .