Postdoctoral Researcher in Random Geometry and Quantum Gravity (0.8 - 1.0 FTE)

• Employment: 0.8 - 1.0 FTE
• Gross monthly salary: € 2,836 - € 4,474
• Faculty of Science
• Required background: PhD
• Application deadline: 1 December 2021

"What is the physics of spacetime at the tiniest of scales? How can we formulate consistent laws of gravity in a quantum regime? In search of answers our mathematical and numerical tool box is stretched to its limits. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will aim to expand the tool box and to explore opportunities to address these fundamental questions. Join a stimulating research environment at the interface of physics, mathematics and computational science."

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with affinity for mathematical or numerical random geometry and/or quantum gravity to contribute to the search for consistent microscopic models of spacetime geometry. As a postdoctoral researcher you will join the Quantum Geometry group of T. Budd, funded by the NWO Vidi programme "'Quantum Geometry: spacetime at the tiniest of scales'.

The programme has its footing in the solid mathematical basis of random geometry (including the theory of random planar maps, Liouville quantum gravity, topological recursion, hyperbolic geometry and Weil-Petersson volumes, moduli spaces, and matrix and tensor models) as well as in numerical lattice quantum gravity (causal dynamical triangulations, random simplicial geometry, Monte Carlo methods). Its general aims are to extend these analytic and numerical methods beyond their current range of applicability; to utilize them to find new universality classes of random geometries; and to explore the relevance of these classes as candidate microscopic models of spacetime geometry in non-perturbative quantum gravity. The programme is deliberately placed at the interface of high-energy physics, mathematics and computational science to make the most of the developments in the respective fields. In particular, the research group benefits from a diverse composition of expertise and we therefore invite applications from all relevant research fields.

Your responsibility as a postdoctoral researcher will be to contribute to the theme of the programme while building upon your expertise in one or more of the relevant research fields. You will be expected to interact with colleagues from neighbouring fields and to look for opportunities to build new bridges between those fields.

Profile

• You hold a PhD degree in physics or mathematics.
• You are expected to have a demonstrable interest and experience in at least one of the following topics: quantum gravity; random geometry; combinatorics and/or probability theory of random planar maps or other models or random surfaces; Monte Carlo methods in statistical physics or lattice quantum gravity.
• You are excited about working in a multidisciplinary research environment and have affinity with communicating with researchers across fields (e.g. mathematics, physics, computational science).

We are

The Quantum Geometry group is part of the Gravity section of the High Energy Physics department at Radboud University. The Gravity section currently consists of six staff scientists (J. Ambjorn (part-time), B. Bonga, T. Budd, B. Krishnan, R. Loll, F. Saueressig) and about twice as many PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers, with research topics ranging from black holes and gravitational waves to lattice quantum gravity, the functional renormalisation group and random geometry. We have close ties to gravitational research in both the Astrophysics (including a large involvement in the Event Horizon Telescope) and Mathematics departments (including mathematical relativity, noncommutative geometry and stochastics), with which we share the Institute for Mathematics, Astrophysics and Particle Physics (IMAPP). Our diversity and broad expertise in gravity combined with many regular activities provides a stimulating environment for both early-career and experienced researchers.

Radboud University
We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 24,000 students and 5,600 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent, collaboration and lifelong learning. You have a part to play!

We offer

• Employment for 0.8 - 1.0 FTE.
• The gross monthly salary amounts to a minimum of €2,836 and a maximum of €4,474 based on a 38-hour working week, depending on previous education and number of years of relevant work experience (salary scale 10 ).
• You will receive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• It concerns a temporary employment for 2 years with the option for extension by 1 year.
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services . Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment  and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
• Working for us means getting extra days off. In case of full-time employment, you can choose between 29 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the legally allotted 20.

Additional employment conditions
Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions . You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.
Would you like more information?

For questions about the position, please contact Timothy Budd, Assistant Professor at [email protected] .

Practical information and applications
You can apply until 1 December 2021, exclusively using the button below. Kindly address your application to Timothy Budd. Please fill in the application form and attach the following documents:

• Letter of motivation including your view on how your background and expertise contributes to the theme of the programme and the research group.
• Your CV including the names of at least two referees who may be contacted for letters at a later stage.
• Research statement explaining your research background and interests.
• List of publications (if not included in the CV).

The first round of interviews will take place in the week of 13 December. You would preferably begin employment on 1 October 2022 or earlier.

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