Postdoc Position in Mathematics

This 3-year postdoc position is part of the NWO project of Han Peters and Guus Regts titled phase transitions, computational complexity and chaotic dynamical systems.

The project combines elements from graph theory, complex analysis and dynamical systems, and is motivated by problems in computational complexity and statistical physics regarding the location of zeros for graph polynomials. Examples of such graph polynomials include the partition function of the Potts model, the Ising model, the independence polynomial and the chromatic polynomial. Renormalization on recursively defined graphs induces iteration problems for rational maps in one or several complex variables. 

The goal of the project is to develop similar techniques for families of graphs that are not necessarily recursively defined. In recent years it has become apparent that the link between complex analysis, and dynamical systems on the one side and graph theory on the other persists in this more general setting.

As a postdoc in this project, we expect that you will play an active role in the collaborative research, but also introduce new expertise into the project.

What are you going to do?

Work on research problems in theoretical mathematics. Many of the problems within the project are motivated by questions in statistical physics and/or theoretical computer science. You are expected to actively look for opportunities, motivations and applications in these fields. You are also expected to contribute to the teaching programme of the mathematics department.

What do we require?

• a PhD in mathematics;
• a strong scientific expertise in complex analysis, dynamical systems and/or discrete mathematics;
• the ability and willingness to collaborate with mathematicians with complementary expertise;
• Computer simulations and statistical mechanics play a role in the project. Any experience in one of these will be considered a plus.

Our offer

A temporary contract for up to 38 hours a week, preferably starting on 1-9-2024 for the duration of 36 months.

The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be € 3,226 to € 5,090 (scale 10) gross per month, based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities  is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look at www.uva.nl/en/about-the-uva/organisation/faculties/faculty-of-science/working-at-the-faculty/working-at-the-faculty-of-science.html

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here .

Questions?

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation? Please contact: Han Peters or Guus Regts, tel. + 31 (0)20 525 8358 and email h.peters@ uva.nl or g.regts@ uva.nl

About the Faculty of Science and the Korteweg-de Vries Institute for Mathematics

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 7,000, as well as 1,600 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Korteweg-de Vries Instituut voor Wiskunde (KdV Institute) is the mathematical research institute of the Faculty of Science of the Universiteit van Amsterdam. The KdV Institute offers a stimulating scientific environment in which research focuses mainly within the research programmes (1) Algebra, Geometry and Mathematical Physics, (2) Pure, Applied and Numerical Analysis, (3) Stochastics, and (4) Discrete Mathematics & Quantum Information. It also provides the lecturers and instructors for the mathematics teaching within the Science faculty. The KdV Institute participates in the NWO research clusters GQT, STAR, NDNS+ and DIAMANT and in the Gravity programme NETWORKS. There is formal (and informal) cooperation with the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI), the VU University, and with Eurandom in Eindhoven. KdVI counts about 50 staff members and 50 PhD students and postdocs.

KdVI: http://kdvi.uva.nl/

Application

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 17 February 2024. You can apply online by using the link below. 

Applications in .pdf should include:

• a motivation letter and CV, including a list of publications and preprints – all in one document, with:
• three names and email addresses of possible reference
• if possible, a pdf of your PhD thesis

Please mention the months (not just years) in your CV when referring to your education and work experience.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: National knowledge security guidelines )

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451/ GBC451, please try using a VPN connection when outside of the European Union. Please reach out directly to our HR Department  directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.

No agencies please.