Position Description

Postdoc Position in Algebraic Geometry (1.0 FTE)

Job description
Enumerative geometry is the field of algebraic geometry dealing with counting geometric objects satisfying constraints. So far, enumerative geometry largely concerned curve counting. This 2-year postdoctoral position is funded by the ERC Consolidator Grant “Surfaces on fourfolds” on the enumerative geometry of surfaces on Calabi-Yau fourfolds and related subjects. This new field has unexpected connections with various areas of mathematics and physics, such as Hodge theory, singularity theory, representation theory, and string theory.

This ERC project is comprised of two PhD positions and two postdoctoral positions which will be filled during the period September 2023-September 2028.

You can contribute to the ERC project, but you will also have ample freedom to carry out your own research line. You will be part of the research team of Dr. Martijn Kool.

You will be part of the algebraic geometry group and, more generally, the Utrecht Geometry Centre, which encompasses all the research groups in pure mathematics within the Mathematical Institute of Utrecht University. Our expertise covers a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from algebraic and differential geometry to algebraic topology, logic, and number theory.

Teaching is not a regular part of this position. If you do like to take on teaching duties, we are open to discussing the possibilities.

The starting date is flexible but preferably September 1, 2024. 

Qualifications
We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled applicant who possesses the following characteristics:

·       a PhD, or nearly finished, in algebraic geometry or a related field (by the time of appointment);

·       a strong interest in moduli theory, enumerative geometry, or related topics;

·       proficiency in English, both in speaking and writing. Knowledge of the Dutch language is not required.

Offer
We offer:

·       a top-class research environment within a broad national and international network;

·       a full-time position (1.0 FTE) for two years;

·       a full-time gross salary, depending on previous qualifications and experience, ranging from €3,226 to €5,090 in scale 10 of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities (CAO);

·       8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;

·       A pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the CAO.

In addition to the employment conditions from the CAO for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. These include agreements on professional development, leave arrangements, sports and cultural schemes and you get discounts on software and other IT products. We also give you the opportunity to expand your terms of employment through the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This is how we encourage you to grow. For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University.

About the organisation
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. Shaping science, sharing tomorrow.

At the Faculty of Science, there are 6 departments to make a fundamental connection with: Biology, Chemistry, Information and Computing Sciences, Mathematics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Physics. Each of these is made up of distinct institutes that work together to focus on answering some of humanity’s most pressing problems. More fundamental still are the individual research groups – the building blocks of our ambitious scientific projects. Find out more about us on YouTube.

The Mathematical Institute of the Department of Mathematics  organises and teaches the Bachelor's curricula in Mathematics as well as the (English-taught) Master's programme in Mathematics and some service teaching in mathematics. The Institute currently comprises about 10 Full Professors, 25 further faculty members, 25 PhD candidates, 10 Postdocs, and teaches 500 students. The Institute is internationally recognised for its research in both pure and applied mathematics. It houses the Utrecht Geometry Centre 

and maintains a long-standing tradition of transdisciplinary collaboration with other scientific fields including, among others, atmosphere/ocean sciences, computational life sciences, mathematical biology, medical and seismic imaging and theoretical physics. We participate in university focus areas in Complex Systems and Applied Data Science. 

Additional information
If you have any questions that you'd like us to answer, please contact Dr M. Kool at m.kool1@uu.nl.

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

Are you an international applicant? Our International Service Desk can answer your questions about living in the Netherlands as international staff.

Apply
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the 'Apply now' button. Please enclose:

·       your letter of motivation;

·       your curriculum vitae;

·       the e-mail addresses of at least 2 referees, who we may contact for a reference letter;

·       your research plan (max. 5 pages excluding bibliography).

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

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The application deadline is 20 February 2024.