PhD position in Applied Mathematics, Netherlands (2016)

The CASA section currently has eight full professors (three full-time and five part-time), twelve associate/assistant professors, thirty PhD students and postdocs, and three lecturers.

Project description

The project is part of an NWO TOP project based on a collaboration between Mark Peletier (TU Eindhoven) and Frank Redig (TU Delft). The aim of the TOP projet is to derive macroscopic equations and associated large deviations for large-scale interacting systems in a fluctuating inhomogeneous environment. An important aim is to reveal the gradient-flow structure of the emerging macroscopic equations and its connection to large deviations.

This aim is inspired both by recent theoretical developments and by various applications. For instance, in molecular biology, molecular motors function through a combination of diffusion and a fluctuating chemical environment. In neuroscience, integrate-and-fire neural networks consist of stochastic units that interact with a dynamically updated network of neighbors. In economics, wealth-distribution models involve interacting agents against a changing economic background. In each of these examples, non-trivial macroscopic behavior emerges from the interaction between the microscopic units and their changing environment, and the central challenge is to characterize this emergent behavior.

In this project there will be two PhD students, one in Eindhoven and one in Delft, and one postdoc. This vacancy is for the Eindhoven PhD student, who will be supervised by Mark Peletier. The research of the Eindhoven PhD student will start with models of interacting Brownian ratchets, which show interesting emergent behaviour; later topics will be chosen as time goes on. The three young scientists in this TOP project and the supervisors Redig and Peletier will work in close collaboration, with many exchanges between the two sites.

Requirements / Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate that meets the following requirements:

• a solid background in Applied Mathematics, with an interest in partial differential equations and stochastic models;
• detailed knowledge of partial differential equations and functional analysis, as demonstrated by a relevant Master;
• an interest in cross-topic collaboration between different fields of mathematics;
• candidates from non-Dutch or non-English speaking countries should be prepared to prove their English language skills;
• good communicative skills in English, both in speaking and in writing.

Appointment and Salary

We offer:

• a challenging job in a dynamic and ambitious University;
• full-time employment as a PhD-candidate for a period of 4 years;
• a gross salary of € 2146 per month in the first year increasing up to € 2744 in the fourth year;
• annually 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end of year allowance;
• support with your personal development and career planning including courses, summer schools, conference visits etc.;
• a broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, child care, moving expenses, savings schemes, coverage of costs of publishing the dissertation and excellent sports facilities).

As part of an equal opportunity scheme, women are encouraged to apply. Attaining a PhD at Eindhoven University of Technology provides you with excellent career opportunities.

Information and application

Information

More information can be obtained from:

• Requests for more details and other questions about the academic content of the project should be directed to: prof.dr. Mark Peletier, e-mail: m.a.peletier@tue.nl.
• For further information please contact: mrs. Corlien van Dam, HR advisor, e-mail: pzwin@tue.nl.

Application

To apply, please send us your cover letter, curriculum vitae and other relevant documents by using the ‘apply now’ button on the TU/e website.

Please send us your application before March 1, 2016.