Postdoctoral Researchers in Geometry, Numerical Analysis, and Scientific Computing

As one of the largest and most dynamic academic communities in the Netherlands, the department Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS) brings together more than 140 scientific staff, over 250 PhD and EngD candidates, and more than 3000 students. We collaborate closely with leading industrial partners in the Brainport Eindhoven region and with universities across the globe—creating a uniquely fertile environment for both fundamental breakthroughs and applied innovation.

Introduction

• Do you have a strong mathematical background in geometry or numerical analysis?
• Are you inspired by applications to engineering, physics, or industrial problems?
• Do you thrive in a multi-disciplinary environment?

Job Description

Many of the most challenging problems in science and engineering involve physical systems that evolve over time while exhibiting rich mathematical structure. Fluid flows, reactive materials, biological systems, plasmas, and complex engineered processes are governed not only by differential equations, but also by geometric constraints, conservation laws, symmetries, and interactions across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Developing mathematical representations that faithfully preserve this structure is one of the central challenges in modern scientific computing.

At Eindhoven University of Technology, we are launching a new research programme that aims to develop the mathematical foundations for next-generation Digital Twins: computational representations of physical systems that preserve geometric structure, physical consistency, and mathematical invariants throughout their evolution. Our vision combines ideas from differential geometry, numerical analysis, scientific computing, dynamical systems, and applied mathematics to develop new mathematical frameworks for representing, compressing, and computing with complex physical systems. The project is carried out in close collaboration with researchers in Electrical Engineering working on emerging memory architectures and novel computing paradigms, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to mathematics with a clear technological impact.

We are recruiting two complementary postdoctoral researchers to join this programme. While both positions contribute to the same overarching research vision, candidates may have expertise in different areas of mathematics.

One position will focus primarily on geometric and structure-preserving methods for mathematical models of physical systems, including topics such as geometric numerical integration, finite-volume and finite-element methods, variational formulations, structure-preserving discretisations, optimal transport, and the numerical analysis of partial differential equations.

The second position will focus primarily on the geometric representation of complex data and physical systems, including topics such as differential geometry, invariant theory, algebraic and metric geometry, symmetry, geometric data analysis, and infinite-dimensional geometric structures.

The two postdoctoral researchers will work closely together, together with professors Rafael Bailo and Mireille Boutin, to develop mathematical theories that connect geometric models of physical systems with new computational representations suitable for Digital Twins and future computing architectures. The project offers substantial freedom to develop original mathematical ideas while contributing to a coherent long-term research programme at the interface of geometry, analysis, scientific computing, and computational mathematics.

The two postdoctoral researchers will be expected to undertake a modest teaching load.

Job Requirements

We are looking for outstanding researchers who are excited by fundamental mathematical questions motivated by real-world scientific and technological challenges.

You have:

• A PhD in Mathematics or a closely related field.
• A strong research background in one or more of the following areas:
  • numerical analysis;
  • scientific computing;
  • differential geometry;
  • geometric mechanics;
  • partial differential equations;
  • dynamical systems;
  • applied or computational mathematics;
  • or a related discipline.
• A demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, as evidenced by publications or other research achievements.
• A genuine interest in developing new mathematical theory while collaborating with researchers from complementary areas.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary research team.
• An excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is an advantage:

• Structure-preserving numerical methods.
• Geometric integration.
• Finite-element or finite-volume methods.
• Geometric or variational approaches to partial differential equations.
• Differential, metric, or algebraic geometry.
• Invariant theory or symmetry-based methods.
• Geometric data analysis.
• Scientific machine learning or physics-informed computation.
• Digital twins or computational modelling of physical systems.

Conditions of Employment

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 3 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538 gross per month).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

As one of the largest and most dynamic academic communities in the Netherlands, the department Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS) brings together more than 140 scientific staff, over 250 PhD and EngD candidates, and more than 3000 students. We collaborate closely with leading industrial partners in the Brainport Eindhoven region and with universities across the globe—creating a uniquely fertile environment for both fundamental breakthroughs and applied innovation.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring managers Prof. Rafael Bailo ([email protected]) or Prof. Mireille Boutin ([email protected]).

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR Services ([email protected]).

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• List of up to five self-selected ‘best publications’.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.