We are looking for a motivated, theory-oriented PhD candidate to work on the project "A continuum view on geometric deep learning".

In this project we aim to understand the transferability, mesh-independence and effect of symmetries on geometric learning approaches, in general and when applied to scenarios governed by (partial) differential equations on objects with geometric invariances. A precise understanding of these aspects will be linked to their impact on stability and the understanding of spectral biases in graph neural networks.

The approach envisioned is based on discrete-to-continuum limits of models on densely sampled geometric graphs, combining approximation-theoretical, spectral and variational points of view.

The PhD candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. rer. nat. José A. Iglesias Martínez and prof. dr. Christoph Brune, as part of the group “Mathematics of Imaging and Artificial Intelligence” (MIA) at the Department of Applied Mathematics.

• You have, or will shortly acquire, an MSc degree in Mathematics.
• You are a highly motivated researcher, motivated to keep asking and answering mathematical questions.
• You have a solid background in one or more of the following: functional analysis, numerical analysis, differential geometry, theoretical machine learning.
• You are motivated to sustain a theoretical focus while working in an application-driven area.
• You are proficient in English.

• As a PhD candidate at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment;
• The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.770,- (first year) to € 3.539,- (fourth year);
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
• The flexibility to work (partially) from home;
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.