Join us as a PhD candidate and reinvent mathematical physics with spatial networks!

Your job
Many of the standard equations in mathematical physics are based on the fundamental assumption that matter is continuous. In this project, we will revisit such equations by dropping this continuum assumption. We will consider spatial networks – random graph-like structures that permeate space – as the basis and attempt to describe commonly used notions in physics, such as diffusion and elastic deformation, as limiting processes on these structures. This requires developing new theories on how the structure of the network affects the macroscopic behavior of the process of interest, as well as taming the inherent randomness present in spatial networks. In recent years, there has been a significant surge of interest in spatial networks, from cosmology and communication to economics and ecology. Guided by our primary focus on networks in materials science, the developed theories will likely be general enough to be applicable in these disciplines too.

You will work as a member of the network group at Utrecht University, under the guidance of Dr Ivan Kryven. This position is part of the PRONTO consortium, which aims to advance models in materials science. Two related PhD positions are being opened at the University of Amsterdam concurrently. Notably, this will give you an opportunity for discussing and communicating your own findings with collaborators, consortium partners and experts in industry.

In this PhD position you:

• conduct research on spatial networks;
• publish research findings in scientific journals;
• get the opportunity to attend scientific conferences and workshops abroad;
• communicate the findings with our consortium partners and partners in industry;
• undertake a modest teaching load at the Mathematical Institute at Utrecht, giving you the opportunity to gain teaching and student supervision experience.

You have a passion for mathematical research and are enthusiastic to make your contribution. With your collaborative attitude and good command of spoken and written English, you can contribute to effective cooperation with colleagues and collaboration partners in the research project. You hold a Master’s degree in mathematics or related discipline. If you are close to completing your degree, you are also welcome to apply. We see it is an advantage if you are familiar with partial differential equations, probability theory, or stochastic processes. Familiarity with one the programming languages, for example, Python or Matlab is also seen as an advantage. Willingness and ability to communicate one’s own findings to general audience is appreciated.

• A position for four years;
• a gross monthly salary between €2,901 and €3,707 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

Universiteit Utrecht

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.

The Mathematical Institute in the department of Mathematics is located at Utrecht Science Park and is internationally recognised for its research in both applied and pure mathematics. It houses the Utrecht Centre for Mathematical Modelling and maintains a long-standing tradition of transdisciplinary collaboration with other scientific fields including, among others, statistical physics, computational life sciences, mathematical biology, medical and seismic imaging, and theoretical physics. The Mathematical Institute has close ties with the Departments of Physics, Information and Computing Sciences, the Faculty of Geosciences, UMCU (Utrecht University Medical Center), and institutes such as IMAU (Institute for Marine and Atmospheric research), RIVM (The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) and CWI (the National Research Institute for Mathematics and Computer science). We participate in university focus areas in Complex Systems and Applied Data Science. The institute organises and teaches the Bachelor's curricula in Mathematics as well as the (English-taught) Master's programme. The institute currently comprises about 60 faculty members and teaches 500 students.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible, or if you have another question, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us directly through an informal inquiry to i.kryven@uu.nl.

Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl.