PhD scholarship in Structural Directed Graph Theory DTU Compute

You have a background in Graph Theory strong mathematical competences and would like to advance your career by conducting research in this field and earning a PhD

Then this 3-year PhD position at DTU Compute is your chance. Funded by the research project Establishing Connectivity in Directed Graphs via Distinct Ways through the Independent Research Fund Denmark you will work at the edge of research concerning Structural Directed Graph Theory in a supportive research environment with esteemed collaborators. Your supervision will be carried out by Associate Professor Karl Heuer (main supervisor and PI of the research project) and Professor Carsten Thomassen (co-supervisor) both part of the Section for Algorithms Logic and Graphs at DTU Compute.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The PhD project is in Graph Theory. It focuses on basic mathematical research concerning Structural Digraph Theory and the intersection of Graph Theory and Combinatorial Optimisation.

Your main tasks will consist of conducting research regarding relaxations of Woodalls Conjecture about directed cuts and dijoins and further studies regarding properties of related objects and certain classes of digraphs. Additionally you will be responsible for supporting the research project by computer aided tasks when reasonable and applicable. You will work with nearby colleagues and with partners in Denmark as well as abroad. You will also be involved in teaching assistant duties at DTU Compute.

Your qualifications must include:

• mathematical maturity
• a background in Graph Theory (experience regarding digraphs is beneficial but not required)
• a two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year masters degree.

Further desirable but not primarily decisive:

• experience with or the ability to quickly learn tools (e.g. Python SageMath etc.) for analysing graphs computationally.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme please see DTUs rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Associate Professor Dr. Karl Heuer.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research education innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years. The starting date is 1 September 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Dr. Karl Heuer DTU Compute Section for Algorithms Logic and Graphs You can read more about DTU Compute at .

If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU Moving to you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar PhDrelocation to Denmark and startup Zoom seminar for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than1 June 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply please open the link Apply now fill out the online application form and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

Additionally as a non-mandatory but desirable item one letter of recommendation may be included in the file.

You may apply prior to obtaining your masters degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age gender disability race religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology which is subject to special rules for security and export control open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Compute
DTU Compute Department of Mathematics and Computer Science is an internationally recognised academic environment with over 400 employees and 10 research sections. We broadly cover digital technologies within mathematics data science computer science and computer engineering including artificial intelligence (AI) machine learning internet of things (IoT) chip design cybersecurity human-computer interaction social networks fairness and data ethics. Our research is rooted in basic research and centres on mathematical models of the physical and virtual world as a basis for the analysis design and implementation of complex systems. We focus on ensuring that our research results contribute to creating a better society by supporting areas such as health green transition energy supply and life science. We collaborate with universities public and private organisations and companies in Denmark and abroad and through DTUs startup ecosystem we encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. We have a strong ethical human and sustainable approach that ensures integrity in our work. Therefore we strive for and take responsibility for driving the democratisation of digital technologies so that everyone has the opportunity to actively participate in the development and we ensure a continued open democratic and inclusive society for the benefit of all. At DTU Compute we value diversity inclusion and a flexible work-life more about us at.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UNs 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13500 students and 6000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive evolving and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.