PhD position in string theory/quantum gravity

Position Description
The Amsterdam String Theory Group is part of the Faculty of Science and is one of the largest and most prominent groups in the world. The group's research interests are diverse and extend across all of string theory and quantum gravity, including quantum black holes, AdS/CFT, quantum cosmology, inflation, links with quantum information theory and mathematics. There is a stimulating atmosphere in the group, a diverse range of nationalities, and an active visitor program which attracts the best string theorists from all over the world. Our group's faculty members include: Jay Armas, Daniel Baumann, Jan de Boer, Miranda Cheng, Lorenz Eberhardt, Ben Freivogel, Diego Hofman, Misha Isachenkov, Andrea Puhm, Jan Pieter van der Schaar, Erik Verlinde and Marcel Vonk. Our group’s website: https://iop.uva.nl/strings String theory is a theoretical framework that unifies all particles and forces in nature, including gravity, in a way consistent with the laws of quantum mechanics and relativity. String theory answers fundamental questions about the symmetries of nature, the quantum nature of black holes, and the quantum description of cosmological spacetimes. The theory also provides fundamental insights into quantum field, mathematical problems and quantum information theory. The research of the Amsterdam String Theory Group centers around the current developments in this field. The PhD candidate will do original research in this field under the direction of one of the faculty members in the group. The candidate will be comfortable using mathematical tools on a daily basis to attack fundamental problems in theoretical physics. The daily activities of the PhD candidate consist mainly in research, but it is also expected that the candidate participates in the many seminars by internal and external speakers as well as journal clubs and group activities. Collaboration with other PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and other faculty member will be encouraged. At the end of the PhD program the candidate will be an expert in at least one of the subfields of High Energy Theoretical Physics. While these topics are fundamentally of a theoretical nature, the candidate has the possibility to develop collaborations with other members of IoP and pursue applications of string theory techniques in other fields. Requirements An MSc. in Physics or an equivalent degree is required to be considered for this position. The candidate needs to possess excellent written and oral English communication skills. Appointment The appointment will be on a temporary basis for a period of 4 years (initial appointment will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it can be extended for a total duration of 4 years) and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). An educational plan will be drafted that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. The PhD candidate is also expected to assist in teaching of undergraduates. The starting date for this position is September 1st, 2026. Job application Applications will be received starting on December 18, 2025 and closing on March 15th, 2026. All applications should include a cover letter where you will present yourself briefly, a personal statement where your background and potential research interests are described, a cv, grade transcripts and 2 recommendation letters (sent directly by your recommenders). Furthermore, preselected candidates will be interviewed and, if accepted in the program, will be matched with potential PhD advisors. Application Materials Required: Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application: • Cover letter • Curriculum Vitae • Research statement • Two reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site )