Cutting planes and symmetry handling techniques are two of the most powerful components of mixed-integer programming (MIP) solvers and there exists a vast amount of literature on both topics. However, despite the success of both components, there seems to be almost no research on combining these two fields. This is an unused potential: if a MIP admits symmetries, then they also carry over to cutting planes.

The goal of this project is to transfer the positive effect of symmetry handling for an entire MIP to the generation of cutting planes. Among others, we will explore how symmetries can be used to generate cutting planes faster and to strengthen weak cutting planes in general MIP software. This project also gives the opportunity to evaluate the practical performance of the developed techniques in the state-of-the-art MIP software SCIP.

The successful candidate for this PhD position will work under the supervision of dr. Christopher Hojny in the group Combinatorial Optimization of the department of Mathematics and Computer Science of TU/e. Your responsibilities include to perform scientific research on the topic of the above-mentioned project and to publish your results at international conferences and in international journals. For a small percentage of your time, you will be asked to assist with educational tasks (course support and supervision of students).

You have a master degree in (Applied) Mathematics or a related field.

• You have a strong background in Integer Programming, Discrete Optimization, and Combinatorial Optimization
• You are enthusiastic about programming, preferably in C.
• You have good communication skills.
• You are creative, ambitious, as well as self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented.
• You have a good command of the English language (knowledge of Dutch is not required).

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:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.