Hommel Jobs

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region.
Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne
make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in
science, technology, and administration.

A research fellow position is available in the areas of combinatorial
optimization and algorithms. The position is part of the DFG-funded
project “New Techniques and Improved Approximation Algorithms
for Connectivity Augmentation Problems” and is intended to lead to
a doctorate. The project-related scientific guidance will be provided
by Dr Felix Hommelsheim. The position is embedded in the scientific
environment of the groups of Junior Professor Dr Kevin Schewior
and Professor Dr Christian Sohler.

YOUR TASKS

» Research activity within the DFG-funded project “New Techni-

ques and Improved Approximation Algorithms for Connectivity

Augmentation Problems” under the supervision of Dr Felix

Hommelsheim

» Research in combinatorial optimization and algorithms, with a

particular focus on approximation algorithms for survivable net-

work design and connectivity augmentation problems

» Development and pursuit of a doctoral research project within

the thematic scope of the DFG-funded project under scientific

supervision

» Presentation and publication of research results at international

conferences and in scientific journals

» Participation in scientific exchange as well as support of pro-

ject-related scientific and organizational activities

YOUR PROFILE

» Degree in computer science, mathematics, or a closely related

subject with excellent grades

» Strong background in the design and theoretical analysis of

algorithms, ideally with a focus on graph algorithms, approxima-

tion algorithms, combinatorial optimization, or discrete mathe-

matics, as demonstrated, for example, by coursework, theses,

research projects, or scientific publications

» Very good oral and written communication skills in English

» Desirable: very good German language skills

» Desirable: proficiency in C/C++ or Python

WE OFFER

» Doctoral studies under the scientific guidance of Dr Hommels-

heim

» A diverse working environment with equal opportunities

» Support in balancing work and family life

» Flexible working time models

» Extensive advanced training opportunities

» Occupational health management offers

» Opportunity to work remotely

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and
diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance
with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia
(Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly wel-
come applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their
gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age,
sexual orientation and identity.

The position is available immediately on a full-time basis (39,83

hours per week). The position is to be filled for a fixed term until

30 September 2029. If the applicant meets the relevant wage

requirements and has the appropriate personal qualifications, the

salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale

for the German public sector.

Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications (without
a photo) under https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de The reference number
is Wiss2606-06. The application deadline is 13 July 2026.

For further inquiries, please contact Dr Felix Hommelsheim at
(hommelsheim@cs.uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our FAQs.

Research fellow in combinatorial optimization and algorithms (f/m/x)

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Department of Mathematics and Computer Science