PhD Position Mathematical Statistics

Challenge: Distinguish noise and signal in data streams

Change: Refined asymptotic analysis of stochastic processes 
Impact: Faster detection of anomalies and reliable uncertainty quantification

Job Description

As a PhD candidate in Mathematical Statistics, you will develop novel methods for the analysis of temporal data. Of specific interest are monitoring procedures for structural breaks, which find application in many technical fields, e.g. for the protection of power systems or maintenance of manufacturing plants. Here, timely detection and accurate characterization of relevant events is crucial and needs to be supplied with rigorous uncertainty analysis. The focus of this project is on the mathematical theory enabling these advances, via asymptotic analysis and nonparametric modeling.

You will work in the Statistics section at the Delft Institute of Applied Mathematics (DIAM) supervised by Dr. F. Mies and Prof. G. Jongbloed. The research of the group spans a wide range of topics in statistical theory and methodology, and it maintains active collaborations with partners in other departments as well as in industry. Informal knowledge exchange within the department is highly encouraged and facilitated through various seminar series and social events.

TU Delft hosts a vibrant interdisciplinary community, facilitated through cross-faculty institutes and seminar series addressing a range of societal problems, including climate change, the energy transition, and artificial intelligence. As a PhD candidate, you will collaborate with experienced researchers, attend conferences, and experience an international research environment. The position will focus on research and personal development of the candidate, with contributions to education and possibly supervision of bachelor and master students.  

Job requirements

• Excellent Master degree in mathematics
• Good communication skills in English, both in written and oral
• Strong knowledge of probability theory; in-depth knowledge of asymptotic and nonparametric statistics is highly beneficial 

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) 

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science 

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Conditions of employment 
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities , increasing from Promovendus gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.  

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. 

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.  

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Fabian Mies, via f.mies@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 31 oktober 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter
• Sample Academic writing (e.g. Master's thesis)

You can address your application to Fabian Mies.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.