PhD Position: Entropy and Spectral Geometry

1. Introduction

Are you enthusiastic about the spectral approach to geometry, and its links with mathematical physics? This is the opportunity for you! 

2. Job description

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. 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’. 

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. 

3. 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.

4. 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).

5. 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. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Walter van Suijlekom. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on 21 May. You will preferably start your employment on 1 September 2025.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.