Position Description

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.

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.

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 can be directed to: Andrea Puhm, a.puhm@uva.nl

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. The starting date for this position is 1 September 2024.

Job application 

Applications can be submitted through Academic Jobs Online until 4 March 2024. All applications should include 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, and 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.