Are you enthusiastic about the spectral approach to geometry, and its links with mathematical physics? This is the opportunity for you!
As a PhD candidate you will conduct fundamental research on geometry and entropy, using techniques ranging from spectral and noncommutative geometry to quantum field theory. The project will be supervised by Walter van Suijlekom. You will be part of the Department of Mathematics at the Institute for Mathematics, Astrophysics and Particle Physics (IMAPP) of Radboud University (Nijmegen, Netherlands). You will work under the supervision of Prof. Walter van Suijlekom on a project called ’Entropy and Geometry’, co-supervised by Dr Peter Hochs and Dr Manus Visser, with collaboration from Dr Marcello Seri (University of Groningen).
This PhD position is part of the Emergence at all Scales (EAAS) consortium, which is the flag-bearer of the Dutch Institute for Emergent Phenomena (d-iep.org). EAAS is an interdisciplinary and
collaborative endeavour by nine universities (eight Dutch, one Ukrainian) and Statistics Netherlands (CBS),aimed at understanding emergent phenomena across scales, combining multiple fields including physics, mathematics, astronomy, history and philosophy of science, and social science. Its approach to societal engagement throughout the project’s 5-year lifetime will be equally interdisciplinary, with a wide variety of activities ranging from art/science programmes, large-scale science festivals, citizen science and educational initiatives at various levels. EAAS is hiring a total of 20 PhD/postdoc scientists to join the team, and our project/group leaders share the ambition of gender parity in hires across EAAS. Within this context we invite interested candidates to apply for the PhD/PD position, and work on the sub-project ‘Entropy and Geometry’. We particularly encourage women and candidates from other under-represented groups to apply.
The position includes funding for travelling to international conferences and visiting collaborators worldwide. Your duties as a teaching assistant are about 0,2 FTE during the first three years of appointment.
Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate.
Profile
- You are communicative, curious, critical, enthusiastic, proactive, and willing to learn.
- You should be able to work in a team as well as independently.
- You hold a Master’s degree in mathematics, preferably with a strong background in physics (e.g. in mathematical physics); or you are on track to obtain a Master’s degree around the starting date of the project (September 2025).
- You possess excellent written and oral English communication skills.
We are
The Department of Mathematics represents a broad range of areas, including pure and applied analysis, mathematical physics, algebraic geometry, noncommutative geometry, and number theory. Relevant partners in this research project are IMAPP’s departments of High-Energy Physics, including a very strong theory group in quantum gravity led by Renate Loll, and Astrophysics, including a world-leading group in black hole imaging utilising the Event Horizon Telescope led by Heino Falcke. IMAPP has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and employs the right balance of junior and senior staff, as well as of Dutch and international researchers, and it organises regular research seminars and informal events.
The Department of Mathematics has around 25 PhD candidates who together organise various academic (PhD colloquium, reading groups) and social activities. IMAPP has approximately 100 PhD candidates altogether. PhD candidates at Radboud University are given plenty of opportunities for continuous development, as well as support during their PhD and for finding a job afterwards, both in academia and in industry. Moreover, the PhD Organisation Nijmegen organises educational and social activities, focusing in particular on the well-being of PhD candidates.
Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands and students form a large part of its population: old city, young vibe. It won the title of European Green Capital in 2018. In a recent article, the BBC called Nijmegen ‘The progressive city that few know’. Nijmegen is a lively city and offers various events during the year (e.g. the InScience Film Festival, the 4Days Marches, concerts and art events). Its rural surroundings are ideal for hiking, cycling and other outdoor activities. And not unimportant, Nijmegen has the advantage of being close to international airports (Schiphol, Eindhoven).
Radboud University
At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.
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Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.
We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.
Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.
We offer
- We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).
- You will receive a starting salary of €2,901 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,707 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
- You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
- We offer Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands.
- You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.
Additional employment conditions
Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University’s primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.
Please apply here
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