Vrije Universiteit Brussel, High Energy Physics Research Group
Position ID:
VUB-High Energy Physics Research Group-PHD [#31911]
Position Title:
PhD position in theoretical high-energy physics
Position Type:
Student programs
Position Location:
Brussels, Brussels B-1050, Belgium
Subject Areas:
Theoretical Physics / Fundamental interactions, Gravitation Theory, Holographic Dualities, Quantum Gravity, Quantum Information Theory, String theory, Theoretical High Energy Physics
Appl Deadline:
2026/04/26 23:59:59 (posted 2026/04/04, listed until 2026/10/04)
Position Description:
Position Description
The Theoretical Physics group of Vrije Universiteit Brussel invites applications for a 4-year PhD fellowship in theoretical high-energy physics, normally starting in September or October 2026. The supervisors will be Ben Craps (https://inspirehep.net/authors/1012842) and Vijay Balasubramanian (https://inspirehep.net/authors/1017572). An overview of the composition and research themes of our group can be found on the webpage https://hep.research.vub.be/theoretical-physics. The current position is in the general area of the research themes “Holography, quantum entanglement and the emergence of spacetime” and “Black holes, thermalization, quantum chaos and complexity”. A specific research line we have in mind studies relations between Krylov/spread complexity and the size of black hole interiors in quantum gravity. Our group is affiliated with and strongly involved in the International Solvay Institutes, https://solvayinstitutes.be, which organize many activities and attract many visitors. We also have strong ties, including weekly joint seminars, with neighboring theory groups in and near Brussels. At VUB, we are part of the Strategic Research Program “High-Energy Physics”, https://hep.research.vub.be/home. During the first few months of the PhD, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in the intensive Amsterdam-Brussels-Geneva-Paris doctoral school, https://solvayinstitutes.be/home/activities/doctoral-school/. The rest of the PhD will be mostly devoted to research, including participating in the scientific life of the group and broader community. A limited amount of time will be spent on teaching, including the supervision of bachelor’s and/or master’s students. Candidates need to have a master’s degree in physics or equivalent (or be in the process of obtaining this degree in time). While funding is available for 4 years, we do ask new PhD students to apply during their first year for individual fellowships from the science foundation FWO, https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/phd-fellowships/. Expected new eligibility criteria imply that you should have received your master’s degree after March 1, 2025, and ideally after March 1, 2026 (so that there are two chances to apply). Applications should include a cover letter, a 1-page motivation statement, a CV, and grade transcripts of bachelor’s and master’s courses. In addition, (at least) two recommendation letters should be submitted directly by your referees. For full consideration, applications and letters should be received by April 26, 2026, but late applications may still be considered should the position not be filled yet.Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Grade Transcripts Bachelor's Courses
- Grade Transcripts Master's Courses
- 1-page Motivation Statement
- Two or more reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site
)
Further Info:
High Energy Physics Research Group
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Pleinlaan 2
B-1050 Elsene
Belgium
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Pleinlaan 2
B-1050 Elsene
Belgium