This looks like a great research program that Ferdinando Fioretto is advertising a Ph.D. position for:

A Ph.D. opening is available for candidates interested in the intersection of deep learning and combinatorial optimization. The position will start in January 2022. Topics of interest include: – Supervised Learning for speeding up the resolution of constrained optimization problems; – Reinforcement Learning for dynamic and combinatorial problems; – Graph Neural Network models for graph-structured constrained optimization problems; – Theoretical guarantees for ML-enhanced constraint optimizers; – Physics informed deep learning; The project will combine fundamental aspects of optimization, constrained reasoning, and learning to develop integrated optimization and learning systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mathematics and optimization theory and a strong interest in machine learning and constraint reasoning. Students who majored in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or Physics are welcome to apply. An MS degree and/or publications in leading international venues will be an advantage. TO APPLY: Applications should be submitted at ffiorett@syr.edu and candidates should include their statement of purpose, resume, and transcript (if available).

Similarly for this assistant professor opening at TU Eindhoven:

As a successful applicant, you will work on the interface between Artificial Intelligence and decision-making methods. Examples of research directions include but are not limited to: using machine learning (such as predictive modelling and reinforcement learning) to find better solutions to optimization problems, developing decision support tools that combine data-driven models with knowledge-based models. With an embedding of the position in the school of Industrial Engineering, special attention will be paid to applications of the methods and tools in domains such as logistics, transportation, service industries, high-tech manufacturing, and healthcare.

Great to see these positions that resonate with the Pursuit of the Holy Grail.