Summary
The University of Groningen is inviting applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD position within the Smart Manufacturing Systems (SMS) group at the Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG). This position focuses on addressing challenges in analyzing, designing, and operating complex socio-technical systems (such as energy and transportation networks) by combining game theory, graph theory, control theory, and optimization.
PhD Position in Game Theory for Socio-Technical Systems, University of Groningen, Netherlands
Designation
- PhD Candidate / PhD Researcher (Promovendus)
Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Title | PhD Position in Game Theory for Socio-Technical Systems |
| Host Institution | University of Groningen |
| Faculty / Institute | Faculty of Science and Engineering / ENTEG |
| Research Group | Smart Manufacturing Systems (SMS) |
| Employment Type | 1.0 FTE (4-year temporary contract) |
| Monthly Salary | €3,204 – €4,051 gross per month |
| Benefits | 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, 232 vacation hours/year |
| Location | Groningen, The Netherlands |
| Application Deadline | 16 August 2026 at 23:59 (Dutch local time) |
Research Area
- Primary Fields: Game Theory, Systems and Control, Optimization, Applied Mathematics, Graph Theory.
- Application Domains: Socio-Technical Systems, Smart Energy Networks, Transportation Networks, Decoupled/Distributed Decision-Making, Mechanism Design.
Location
- Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG)Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Eligibility / Qualifications
To be eligible for this position, candidates should possess:
- Degree: A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Applied Mathematics, Systems and Control, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related quantitative discipline.
- Core Skills: Strong background in applied mathematics with interest in theoretical and practical methodologies.
- Specialized Knowledge: Proficiency in at least one of the following areas: game theory, optimization, control theory, dynamical systems, or graph theory.
- Technical Skills: Experience with programming languages such as Python or MATLAB.
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in spoken and written English (knowledge of Dutch is not required).
- Personal Attributes: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, a critical mindset, and motivation for fundamental research with real-world applications.
Job Description
As a PhD candidate, you will:
- Conduct fundamental and computational research at the intersection of game theory, graph theory, control, and optimization.
- Model and analyze strategic equilibrium problems with various incentives, mechanisms, and regulatory scenarios in complex networks.
- Develop decentralized and bi-level algorithms to guide users, operators, and firms toward stable/optimal outcomes under full or partial information.
- Compute systemic interventions to enhance performance under budget and network constraints.
- Contribute to teaching and student supervision (Bachelor/Master level) for up to 10% of your total workload.
- Work under the daily supervision of Dr. Martina Vanelli and co-supervision of Prof. Claudio De Persis.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the official University of Groningen Vacancy Page.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Cover Letter detailing your research interests and motivation.
- Academic Transcripts / Records from your Bachelor’s and Master’s studies.
- Contact details of two academic references.
Last Date to Apply
- 16 August 2026 by 23:59 (Dutch local time)
