We are all familiar with the game of hide-and-seek. If you hide, you try to hide as long as possible. If you seek, you try to find the hiders as soon as possible. This is a zero-sum game with time as its payoff. In Operations Research, a search game is just that. As with most topics in OR, mathematicians started to get interested in search games during the second world war. One of the first practical problems was coming up with a systematic patrol of the Atlantic Ocean in search of enemy submarines. In our digital age, we need to patrol the internet in search of malignant web pages. The theme is the same, but since the internet is much more mercurial than the ocean, the mathematical challenges are greater. 

The aim of your research is to come up with statistics for networks analysis, detecting covert behaviour, using game theory concepts. This research is sponsored by the Dutch ministry of defence. You will be working on a list of theoretical problems for which you need to adapt and extend existing theories in optimization and stochastics. You will also consult the military intelligence community on concrete operational problems. You will be stationed in Delft, but you will also be supervised from the Dutch Defence Academy at Breda.   

The successful candidate has obtained a master's degree in mathematics, or econometrics, or computer science, and needs to be an EU citizen. Grades are more important than mathematical background.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) is known worldwide for its high academic quality and the social relevance of its research programmes. The faculty’s excellent facilities accentuate its international position in teaching and research. Within this interdisciplinary and international setting the faculty employs more than 1100 employees, including about 400 graduate students and about 2100 students. Together they work on a broad range of technical innovations in the fields of sustainable energy, telecommunications, microelectronics, embedded systems, computer and software engineering, interactive multimedia and applied mathematics.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/eemcs/the-faculty/