PhD Position: Analysis of Partial Differential Equations

1. Introduction

As a PhD candidate, you will develop new analytical theories and methods for complex systems of partial differential equations and apply them to models for marine biofilm growth. Join a stimulating research environment, tackle timely open questions and engage with a vibrant academic community.

2. Job description

The Mathematics Department at Radboud University (Nijmegen, Netherlands) is seeking a PhD candidate with a strong background in the analysis of partial differential equations. The project will be supervised by Dr Stefanie Sonner, is funded by an NWO-M1 project and has a light teaching load (10%). 

As a PhD candidate, you will develop analytical theories and methods to investigate systems of reaction diffusion equations with nonlinear diffusion. You will also have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research and apply your theoretical results to contribute to a better understanding of marine biofilms, which play an important role in aquatic ecosystems. You will participate in relevant conferences, workshops and seminars and publish your findings in peer-reviewed journals. This PhD position is funded for four years, and you will be awarded a PhD degree from Radboud University upon successful completion.

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 hold, or are working towards, a Master's degree in Mathematics or equivalent (to be completed before the starting date).
• You have a strong background in the analysis of partial differential equations, or a very closely related field, and are interested in interdisciplinary research. 
• You have good verbal and written communication skills. 
• You are motivated, proactive and willing to learn, and you can work both independently and in a team. 

4. We are

The Analysis of PDEs is one of the research areas of the Applied Mathematics group of the Mathematics Department at Radboud University. The department covers a broad range of topics in pure and applied mathematics, with strong interdisciplinary links. It has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with a healthy balance between senior and early-career staff from around the world, and a community of more than 20 PhD candidates. The department organises regular research seminars, colloquia and informal events throughout the year. Moreover, researchers in the field of PDEs at Radboud University are part of larger national networks such as the Special Activity Group ’Analysis of PDEs’ and the Dutch mathematics cluster NDNS+, which regularly interact and discuss developments in the field, and jointly organise scientific meetings and events.

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 €3,059 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,881 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• There may be an opportunity for 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 dr. Stefanie Sonner. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We look forward to receiving your application.

The first interviews will take place on 26 and 27 February 2026. You will preferably start your employment on 1 May 2026, but no later than 1 September 2026.

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.