PhD position on theoretical cosmology and deep learning

27 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Amsterdam (UvA)

Research Field

Physics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

29 Feb 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

38.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

We are looking for enthusiastic candidates for a PhD position at the intersection of theoretical astroparticle physics, cosmology and deep learning at the University of Amsterdam. You will be part of the research group of Dr Christoph Weniger, which is embedded in the GRAPPA Center of excellence in Gravitation and Astroparticle Physics, a multidisciplinary team of researchers active in a variety of research topics including dark matter, compact objects, high-energy astrophysics and physics beyond the standard model.

The position is funded by the NWO-ENW project “Exploring the non-Gaussian 21cm Universe with Artificial Intelligence”. This project is jointly lead by Dr Meerburg (PI, Groningen) and Dr Christoph Weniger (co-PI, Amsterdam). The project has funding for a postdoc and a PhD student. The PhD student will be stationed at the University of Amsterdam under the supervision of Christoph Weniger, with frequent in-person and virtual interactions with Groningen. Dr Weniger’s group currently consists of 4 PhD students and 3 postdocs.

What are you going to do?
You will work together with a strong, welcoming and collaborative team on both theoretical models for astrophysics and cosmology as well as the analysis of astronomical data. You will write scientific publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, present results in leading international conferences, and help supervise Bachelor and Master students. You are expected to develop new AI-based techniques for the analysis of astrophysical or cosmological data, such as 21cm signals from the epoch of reionization.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Conducting independent research in physics, resulting in academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals;
• Development of open-source deep learning-based analysis software.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

You are self-driven and motivated, have enthusiasm and talent for technical computational work, as well as for the analytical theoretical calculations.

Your experience and profile:

• MSc in physics;
• Fluent in spoken and written English;
• Excel academically, as indicated by grade transcript and curriculum vitae.

Experience with deep learning is a plus, but not required.

Additional Information
Benefits

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is 1 September 2024. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,770 to € 3,539 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

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;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• 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 .

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

Selection process

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 29 February 2024.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• A detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• A etter of motivation;
• A list of publications (if any);
• Two letters of recommendation should be sent to [email protected] , with the subject starting with “PhD2024”, by the deadline.

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

The interviews will be held within two weeks after the deadline.

Additional comments

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Dr. Christoph Weniger, Assoc. Prof. Theoretical physics, [email protected]

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/337104/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Faculty of Science

Country

Netherlands

City

Amsterdam

Postal Code

1098XH

Street

Science Park 904

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/337104/phd-position-on-theoretical-cosmolog…

Contact

City

Amsterdam

Website

http://www.uva.nl/

Street

Spui 21

Postal Code

1012 WX

STATUS: EXPIRED