PhD positions in String Theory

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, including topological strings, supersymmetric gauge theory, gravity/gauge theory dualities, supergravity and cosmology. 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, Mikhail Isachenkov, Andrea Puhm, Jan Pieter van der Schaar, Erik Verlinde and Marcel Vonk.

Our group’s website: https://iop.uva.nl/content/research-groups/strings/index.html

Project description

String theory is the most promising theory 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 behaviour of black holes, the existence and breaking of supersymmetry, and the quantum treatment of singularities. In string theory all the forces and particles emerge in an elegant geometrical way, realizing Einstein's ultimate dream of building everything from the geometry of space-time.

What are you going to do?

You will do original research in this field under the direction of one of the faculty members in the group. You will be comfortable using mathematical tools on a daily basis to attack fundamental problems in theoretical physics. The daily activities consist mainly in research, but it is also expected that you participate 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 members will be encouraged. At the end of the PhD program you 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, you will have the possibility to develop collaborations with other members of IoP and pursue applications of string theory techniques in other fields.

What do you have to offer?

Your experience and profile:

• A masters degree, or equivalent, in physics
• A good background in theoretical physics
• the ability to work independently and to collaborate in a collegial research environment;
• excellent written and oral English communication skills.

Our offer

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 to be discussed. 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 € 2,541 to € 3,247 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Promovendus is applicable. 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 .

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 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 mission of the Institute of Physics (IoP) is to carry out excellent research in the field of experimental and theoretical physics, to provide inspiring teaching within the physics and other curricula and to transfer our knowledge of and enthusiasm for physics to society. The IoP has over 50 faculty and 180 researchers in total. The combination with the NWO Institutes at Amsterdam Science Park constitutes the largest physics hub in the Netherlands and is an international center of excellence.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact: Andrea Puhm, [email protected]

Job application

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 Acadamic Jobs online (Please see application instruction in bold below). We accept applications until and including 4th of March 2024.We will begin evaluating applications on 4 March 2024, so for full consideration please apply before this date.

Applications should include the following information:

• a cover letter where you present yourself briefly;
• a research statement where your background and potential research interests are described;
• a CV;
• grade transcripts from bachelor and masters studies;
• 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.

APPLICATIONS ONLY VIA ACADEMIC JOBS ONLINE USING THIS LINK

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.

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