The PhD position is part of the NWO funded Vidi project “New Diophantine Directions” of Sander Dahmen, who will act as main supervisor. This project is about developing and using both theoretical and explicit computational tools to solve Diophantine equations and related number theoretic problems. 

• Follow a basic PhD training programme;
• Conduct research in number theory;
• Complete a PhD thesis within four years;
• Teach tutorial lectures and correct homework (15% of time).

We are looking for a candidate that holds (by the starting date) a master’s degree in mathematics (or a related field) with a good background in number theory and algebraic geometry. Practical experience with computer algebra packages and programming, as well as theoretical knowledge thereof, are considered an advantage. We expect the candidate to show a proactive research orientation and to be proficient in written and spoken English. 

The starting date is flexible, namely from September 1 (2017) till January 1 (2018). The appointment will be initially for a period of 1 year. After satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, it can be extended for a total duration of 4 years. The appointment should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). The appointment will be full-time (38 hours a week). An educational plan that includes attendance of courses and national and international meetings will be drafted. The PhD candidate is also expected to assist in teaching of undergraduates. You can find information about our excellent fringe benefits of employment at http://www.workingatvu.nl like:
 • remuneration of 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday allowance;
• generous contribution (65%) commuting allowance based on public transport;
• discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance);
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) is a leading, innovative and growing university that is at the heart of society and actively contributes to new developments in teaching and research. Our university has ten faculties, and provides work for over 4,500 staff and scientific education for more than 23,000 students.

Research at the Faculty of Sciences focuses on the areas of Life & Health, Networked World, Fundamentals of Science, and Energy & Sustainability. The faculty’s teaching activities are directly linked to this excellent research. Cooperation with other faculties on the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam campus generates attractive, high-quality Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. At international level, the faculty cooperates closely with leading scientific institutes and other partners.   

The Department of Mathematics strives after excellence in research. In the department purely mathematical research is balanced with mathematical research motivated by applications. Researchers at the department are on the one hand active on a fundamental and theoretical level, and on the other hand work in an applied and practical environment with links to many sciences and societal issues. The department has a strong international research staff with expertise in dynamical systems, geometry, algebra, number theory, and stochastics. 
 
Apart from training PhD students, the department offers Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Mathematics and in Business Analytics, as well as a Master’s program in Stochastics and Financial Mathematics. In addition, the department provides mathematics courses for other programs of the Faculty of Sciences, for programs of other faculties in the university, and for the Amsterdam University College.