Postdoc Position in High-Dimensional Covariance Estimation

Position Description
Join the Department of Mathematics of Utrecht University as a Postdoctoral Researcher. Working in an international team of researchers based at both Utrecht University and LMU Munich, you will develop new methods in high-dimensional covariance estimation. 
Your job
The position is part of an NWO-DFG funded research project on high-dimensional covariance estimation. You will work in close collaboration with Sjoerd Dirksen , Johannes Maly , and a PhD student that will start at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) in Munich, Germany. During the project, you will spend two months at LMU and make two shorter one-week visits. The PhD student at LMU will similarly make three visits to Utrecht University during the project. 
As a postdoctoral researcher, you will work on a research project that extends and deepens a recent line of work of Sjoerd Dirksen and Johannes Maly, including the papers: 

• Covariance estimation under one-bit quantization
• Tuning-free one-bit covariance estimation using data-driven dithering
• Subspace and DOA estimation under coarse quantization 

Preprint versions can be found on Arxiv. These works are representative for the type of mathematics involved.
The position is dedicated to research. You will have no teaching obligations, but there are opportunities to teach if desired. You will co-supervise thesis projects of BSc. and MSc. students related to the research project. 
Your qualities
Ideally, your eligibility is exemplified by: 

• a PhD in mathematics; prior experience in research high-dimensional probability theory (concentration inequalities, chaining methods) is beneficial, but not strictly required;
• a collection of significant research achievements and a proven track record of international publications in leading journals;
• Utrecht University expects all to be proficient in English (level C1). 

In view of our policy to improve the gender balance we strongly encourage women to apply.
Our offer

• a position for one year (1.0 FTE), with an extension of two additional years upon a positive evaluation;
• a full-time gross salary, depending on previous qualifications and experience, between € 3.546 and €5.538 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 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 laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University .
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 Mathematical Institute of the Department of Mathematics organizes 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 35 faculty members, 10 Postdocs, 25 PhD candidates, and teaches 500 students. The Institute is internationally recognized 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, mathematical economics, medical and seismic imaging, theoretical computer science, and theoretical physics. We participate in university focus areas in Complex Systems and Applied Data Science. 
More information
For more information, please contact prof. dr. Sjoerd Dirksen at [email protected] .   
Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to [email protected] .
Apply now
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.
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 here: https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/working-at-utrecht-university/jobs/postdoc-position-in-high-dimensional-covariance-estimation ! Please enclose:

• your letter of motivation;
• your curriculum vitae, including publication list;
• a short research statement (at most two pages (A4), including background and best accomplishments);
• the names and email addresses of at least three contacts whom we can ask for a reference letter.

The preferred starting date is flexible. A start before October 15, 2026 is preferred. 
If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.