2 PhD Positions in Efficient Algorithms and Network Visualization

Job Overview

The Chair for Efficient Algorithms, led by Prof. Stephen Kobourov, is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD student position at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Campus Heilbronn. Two independent positions are available: Position 1 – Efficient Algorithms, and Position 2 – Network Visualization. The role is full‑time and includes teaching responsibilities.

Research Focus – Position 1: Efficient Algorithms

• Design and analysis of efficient algorithms for graph‑drawing problems
• Design and analysis of efficient algorithms for hypergraph visualization
• Computational complexity of graph and hypergraph embedding problems
• Combinatorial properties and bounds for geometric graphs, drawings of graphs and other discrete structures
• Algorithms and computational problems in cartograms and maps
• Modelling and design of efficient solutions for problems with relevance in real‑world Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Parameterized algorithms or interactive approaches for computationally hard problems in geometric graphs, graph drawing and GIS

Research Focus – Position 2: Network Visualization

• Design and evaluation of network layout algorithms
• Design and evaluation of network visualization systems
• Graph embedding in Euclidean and non‑Euclidean spaces
• Design and analysis of visualization quality metrics
• Algorithmic aspects of graph drawing, dimensionality reduction and set visualization
• Human‑centered evaluation of visual interfaces
• Visualization for explainable AI
• Semantic graph modeling and visualization for text and document data

Teaching Responsibilities

Teaching load: 5 hours per week in tutorials, lectures, seminars, and practical courses on algorithms and theory. The teaching and working language is English; German is not required.

Working Conditions & Benefits

Full‑time employment aimed at completing a PhD thesis. Salary is set according to the German TV‑L E13 scale (≈ €57,000–€71,000 gross per year, depending on experience). The position includes 30 days of paid vacation and full access to health insurance and social benefits.

Collaborative Environment

The doctoral group is active and established, comprising Dr. Jacob Miller, Dr. Soeren Terziadis, Dr. Markus Wallinger, and Dr. Johannes Zink. Research results are presented at top international conferences every year, and collaborations with partners in Germany and abroad are encouraged.

Inclusion and Disability Policy

The position is open to candidates from under‑represented groups in computer science and to disabled persons. Applicants with disabilities will receive preference in case of generally equivalent suitability, aptitude, and professional performance.

Application Process

To apply, please send the following items via email to positions [at] algo.cit.tum.de:

• A cover letter describing your research interests in graph drawing, network visualization and related areas;
• Your CV;
• Your Master’s thesis;
• Academic transcripts with grades;
• Links to publications or web applications resulting from your Bachelor or Master work (if available);
• Links to repositories containing scientifically relevant implementations and coding work (if applicable).

Further information can be found on the webpage https://www.cs.cit.tum.de/algo/open-positions/.