PhD candidate in Theoretical Physics at the Faculty of Science , Institute of Physics, University of Amsterdam. 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.
- 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.
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.
- Salary indication: €2,146 to €2,744 gross per month
- Closing date: 1 March 2016
- Vacancy number: 15-394
Educational 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.
Further information
General questions regarding the program – excluding application materials which will be received starting 1 December 2015 (see information about application below) – can be directed to:
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.
Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €2,146 in the first year to €2,744 in the last year. The Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) for Dutch Universities is applicable.
Job application
Applications will be received starting on 1 December 2015 and should be emailed to application-science@uva.nl, stating in the subject line the position you are applying for and vacancy number 15-394. 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.
Please make sure all your material (except your recommendation letters) is attached in only one pdf.
Recommenders should send their letters to the same email address including the name of the applicant and vacancy number 15-394 in the subject of their email. Furthermore candidates will be interviewed and, if accepted in the program, will be matched with potential PhD advisors.
Applications for this position open on 1 December 2015.