Position Description

Join us for a 4-year PhD position at Utrecht University’s Mathematical Institute. You will work within the NWO XL consortium project ‘Symmetry on the interface of topology and higher algebra’, a collaboration with Radboud University Nijmegen and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, under Gijs Heuts’ supervision. 

Your job

You will conduct cutting edge research with a focus on the interplay of topology and higher algebra. The precise goals of the research project are flexible, but within the scope of the large collaborative project. You will have the opportunity to adapt your research to your own strengths and interests. Additionally, this PhD position involves teaching activities for undergraduate mathematics courses offering you the opportunity to gain valuable academic teaching experience.

Your qualities

Excited to join this project? We are looking for a new colleague who meets the following criteria:

• You have an MSc degree in mathematics or are nearing completion of your degree.
• You have a strong background in homotopy theory or related areas.
• You are proficient in written and spoken English.
• You possess a collaborative and enterprising attitude towards research in mathematics.

Our offer

• a position for 18 months, with an extension to a total of four years upon a positive assessment in the first 18 months;
• a gross monthly salary starting at € 3,204 in the first year and increasing annually up to €4,051 in the fourth year between (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU). The salary is based on a 38-hour working week;
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment set out in our collective labour agreement, we offer attractive additional benefits, including opportunities for personal and professional growth, flexible leave arrangements, and extra vacation days. Through the UU Terms of Employment Options Model, you can tailor your employment package to your needs. In this way, we encourage you to grow in what you do, both in your work and in your development. Read more about our terms of employment.

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.

The Utrecht Geometry Centre (UGC) encompasses all the research groups in pure mathematics within the Mathematical Institute of Utrecht University. You will join the Algebraic Topology group within the UCG. We have a very active topology community including Lennart Meier and Gijs Heuts. We carry out research in unstable and stable homotopy theory, higher category theory, higher algebra, and derived algebraic geometry. As a member of our research team you will benefit from interactions with the other mathematicians at Utrecht, as well as with the many visitors we host. You will have ample opportunity to participate in seminars and workshops here in Utrecht. Funding is available to support travel to conferences and workshops abroad.

More information

For more information, please contact Gijs Heuts at g.s.k.s.heuts@uu.nl 

Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl.

Apply now

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Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply on our website! Please enclose:

• your letter of motivation; in particular, describe which areas of mathematics interest you most  and discuss your knowledge and experience  in these areas;
• your Curriculum vitae;
• your academic transcripts (certified records of your grades) for both your BSc and MSc;
• the names and email addresses of at least two references.

If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.