PhD Position Parameterized and Fine-Grained Complexity of NP-Hard Problems

Organisation/Company Utrecht University Research Field Computer science Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 15 Mar 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 40.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

This position focuses on fundamental open problems in algorithm design and computational complexity. The main theme will be a unifying theory of algorithmic power of combinatorial decompositions (such as tree decompositions) and algebraic decompositions (such as matrix‑rank–based methods), combining elegant fundamental mathematics with computer science. There is also freedom to explore related topics in Parameterized/Fine‑grained complexity or Theoretical Computer Science at large.

Your job

In algorithm design, the paradigm of decomposition is omnipresent. In the 5-year ERC project COALESCE we aim for new fundamental insights on this paradigm, especially in the context of Parameterized Complexity and Fine‑grained complexity of NP‑hard problems.

• Conduct research on fundamental open problems in algorithm design and computational complexity.
• Develop a new theory for combinatorial decompositions (e.g., tree decompositions) and algebraic decompositions (e.g., matrix‑rank–based approaches) of search spaces.
• Design and analyse algorithms inspired by these decompositions methods.
• Collaborate with your daily supervisor and other researchers of the COALESCE project team and algorithms and complexity group.
• Present your findings at international conferences and in journal papers.
• Contribute to the scientific community through discussions, reading groups, seminars, and light teaching or supervision tasks.

We are looking for a passionate new colleague who meets the following criteria:

• a Master’s degree in Computer Science or Mathematics;
• you have a background in algorithms, computational complexity, or discrete mathematics and demonstrable experience with all three of these areas;
• you aspire to be a tenacious and creative researcher in computer science with great affinity for (mathematical) puzzle‑solving;
• demonstrable experience within the domain of parameterized complexity or fine‑grained complexity and a strong mathematical background are a plus;
• you are proficient in English, both written and spoken.

• a position for 18 months, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment in the first 18 months;
• a gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and €3.881 in the case of full‑time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year‑end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development.

For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

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If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the "Apply now" button! Please enclose:

• your letter of motivation;
• the names and email addresses of at least two references.

If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.

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