JOB DESCRIPTION

The Mathematical Institute of Leiden University invites applicants for a PhD position to work with Dr. Olga Lukina, on a project about random walks on Schreier graphs, in the area of abstract dynamical systems. You will join the Probability, Optimization and Dynamical Systems group of researchers, postdocs and PhD students, working on a broad range of topics. You will be expected to conduct research, to prepare the results for publication, and to participate and contribute to local, national and international scientific activities. The position comes with light teaching duties.

Qualifications

• MSc in Mathematics completed before the start of the project;
• Required: strong background in Group Theory, Probability and Functional Analysis;
• Desirable: knowledge of Dynamical Systems and Topology;
• Highly motivated, enthusiastic and creative researcher, able to work with a degree of independence;
• Good command of spoken and written English.

LEIDEN UNIVERSITY

About the organization
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has almost 2,800 staff and over 6,000 students.

We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

Mathematical Institute
The Mathematical Institute (MI) is one of the eight institutes within the Faculty of Science and has a strong international orientation. Its mission is to push the frontiers of scientific knowledge by developing and applying high quality mathematics, while offering a wide range of mathematical training in a friendly but challenging environment.

We believe that mathematics is an essential part of human knowledge and our staff members take pride in their role as keepers of this rich field of science. They are dedicated to push the boundaries of mathematical knowledge and to contribute their experience towards solving problems faced in other sciences, society and industry. In addition, many of our staff members work hard to promote mathematical literacy in society at large through a multitude of outreach activities.

For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/mathematics ; https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science and https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

We offer a full-time appointment of initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended for another three years. The gross salary ranges from € 2.770,- in the first year to € 3.539,- per month in the fourth year based on a full-time position (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities).
Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science . Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Starting date
September 2024 or earlier.

Teaching
Maximum 15 % teaching; You could think of 1 lecture course per year, thesis supervision of BSc and MSc students, and/or assistance with lectures.

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