Your function
As a PhD student, you will work both on finding solutions to graph algorithmic problems on abstract parallel models, and work on implementing solutions on parallel systems and performing engineering.
Specifically, you will:
- Designing parallel graph algorithms with provable theoretical guarantees.
- Translating theoretical algorithms into practical parallel implementations for modern hardware.
- Adapting and extending classical parallel abstractions to capture the characteristics and limitations of modern hardware.
- Applying discrete optimization techniques for managing resources in parallel systems.
As part of this position, you will be encouraged and supported to refine and drive your own research within the project scope, publish and present your findings at top-tier venues, develop and maintain open-source software, and contribute to teaching and community outreach. The ultimate goal is for the successful candidate to produce a dissertation that leads to a PhD degree in 4 years.
Your profile
We offer a fully funded PhD position for 4 years. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who meets the following qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in Computer Science, or equivalent (completed before the start date of the PhD).
- Excellent algorithms, mathematical proofs, and programming skills are required.
- Additional background in parallel programming, high-performance computing, graph theory, and discrete optimization is a plus.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
- Proactive and enthusiastic about addressing cutting-edge research challenges.
As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.
We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.
What do we offer?
A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:
- a salary of € 3.059,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.881,00 (PhD) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile PhD candidate. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
- an employment contract of initially 18 months. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.
We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:
- A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
- solid pension scheme (ABP)
- contribution to commuting expenses
- optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
About us
About us
This project will be jointly supervised by Dr. Tiziano De Matteis and Dr. Yasamin Nazari.
Dr. Tiziano De Matteis (https://tizianodematteis.github.io/) is an assistant professor in the Massivizing Computer Systems group. His principal research interests are related to High-Performance Computing (HPC), particularly programming models and tools for accelerated computing systems, parallel programming, and sustainability of modern computing systems.
Dr. Yasamin Nazari (https://www.cs.jhu.edu/~ynazari/) is an assistant professor in the theoretical computer science group, broadly working on algorithms including graph algorithms in various computational models (dynamic, parallel, distributed) and combinatorial optimization.
The candidate will be embedded in the Theoretical Computer Science (led by prof. Wan Fokkink) and the Massivizing Computer Systems (MCS, led by prof. Alexandru Iosup) groups.
Department of Computer Science
The Department of Computer Science at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is an internationally recognised centre of excellence, advancing the full spectrum of Computer Science in both research and education. It comprises approximately 230 staff members and is organised around strongly connected themes: AI & Data, Systems & Infrastructure, Software, Security & Privacy and Theory of Computation.
The department combines fundamental insights with real-world application across a wide range of societal domains, with a particular focus on Health & Care. In doing so, it adopts a human-centred and interdisciplinary approach, contributing to a healthy, sustainable and secure digital society in which responsible computing advances the wellbeing of people and planet.
Faculty of Science
Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.
From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct
We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.
Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.
We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.
Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.
Interested
Are you interested in this position, fit the profile, and would like to develop into a fully independent researcher? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application and upload the following material:
- A cover letter (max. 1 page). Please indicate why you are applying for this position.
- Contact details for two references.
- Your update-to-date curriculum vitae.
- All BSc and MSc transcripts, including classes taken and grades.
The expected start date is in Autumn 2026.
All applications received by May 20th will receive considerations, however applications will be reviewed until the position is filled
For inquiries about the project, please contact:
- Dr. Tiziano De Matteis (t.de.matteis@vu.nl )
- Dr. Yasamin Nazari
Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.
