Summary
The Statistics Research Group within the Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Twente is offering a fully funded, 4-year PhD position. Funded by an NWO M1 Open Competition grant, this project aims to develop a new mathematical framework for structural causal models on arbitrary directed acyclic graphs during extreme events (such as floods, heatwaves, or financial crashes). The position combines theoretical probability theory and mathematical statistics with practical computational implementations and offers opportunities for international collaboration.
PhD Position on Flexible Structural Causal Modelling in Extreme Value Statistics, University of Twente, Netherlands
Designation
- PhD Candidate / PhD Researcher
Table: Key Overview
| Information | Details |
| Position Title | PhD Position on Flexible Structural Causal Modelling in Extreme Value Statistics |
| Institution | University of Twente |
| Faculty / Department | Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) / Department of Applied Mathematics |
| Working Hours | Full-time (40 hours/week) |
| Contract Duration | 4 years (with a performance review/qualifier in the 1st year) |
| Gross Monthly Salary | €3,059 (1st year) to €3,881 (4th year) |
| Location | Enschede, Overijssel, Netherlands |
| Primary Supervisor | Dr. Frank Röttger |
| Application Deadline | September 6, 2026 (Before September 7, 2026) |
Research Area
- Extreme Value Statistics & Extreme Value Theory
- Structural Causal Modelling & Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs)
- Causal Inference & Graphical Models
- Applied Probability Theory & Mathematical Statistics
- Scalable Structure Learning & Latent Variable Identification
Location
- University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB Enschede, Netherlands (Hybrid work options available: up to 2 days/week from home)
Eligibility / Qualification
- Education: A Master’s degree (or soon to acquire one) in (Applied) Mathematics, Statistics, or a closely related field with a strong foundation in theoretical mathematics (including probability theory and mathematical statistics).
- Skills:
- Proficiency in English.
- Strong scientific programming skills (e.g., in R, Python, C++, or Julia).
- Interests & Qualities:
- Enthusiasm for mathematical statistics, structural causal models, and extreme value theory.
- Interest in participating in scientific discussions, seminars, and international conferences.
Job Description
- Conduct daily PhD-level theoretical and applied research in extreme value statistics and causal modeling.
- Develop scalable structure learning methods and statistical methodologies for high-dimensional directed systems.
- Publish research papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference proceedings.
- Present research findings at national and international workshops and conferences.
- Contribute to departmental teaching activities (up to a maximum of 10% of working time).
- Complete a tailored educational and research training program through the Twente Graduate School.
How to Apply
- Visit the official University of Twente Vacancy Portal and click the “APPLY NOW” button.
- Submit the following required documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include transcripts/grades of all attended courses, and a list of publications or references (if applicable).
- Cover Letter: A maximum 2-page A4 letter highlighting your specific qualifications, research interests, and motivations.
- References: Contact details for two references who can be contacted for recommendations.
- For substantive inquiries about the project, contact Dr. Frank Röttger via email at
f.rottger@utwente.nl.
Last Date for Apply
- September 6, 2026 (Note: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early submission is highly recommended).
