We are looking for a PhD student in theoretical physics to work on the interface between condensed matter theory, emergence, and quantum foundations, as part of a collaborative project involving experimental and theoretical groups in Leiden and Amsterdam.

What are you going to do?

In this project we will use the tools of condensed matter physics to theoretically model ongoing experimental work in the areas of emergence and quantum foundations, and to formulate proposals and predictions for future experiments. We will collaborate closely with both experimental and theoretical groups in Leiden and Amsterdam. 

What do we require?

• A MSc degree in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics;
• an affinity both with real experimental data, and with abstract theoretical argument;
• preferably, some experience in either emergence, quantum information, or quantum foundations, in the context of condensed matter theory;
• fuency in English, both written and spoken.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (initial appointment will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years) and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be €2,325 to €2,972 (scale P) gross per month, based on a full-time contract (38 hours a week). These amounts are exclusive 8 % holiday allowance and 8,3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Then find out more about working at the Faculty of Science.

University of Amsterdam

With over 5,000 employees, 30,000 students and a budget of more than 600 million euros, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is an intellectual hub within the Netherlands. Teaching and research at the UvA are conducted within seven faculties: Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Economics and Business, Law, Science, Medicine and Dentistry. Housed on four city campuses in or near the heart of Amsterdam, where disciplines come together and interact, the faculties have close links with thousands of researchers and hundreds of institutions at home and abroad.  

The UvA’s students and employees are independent thinkers, competent rebels who dare to question dogmas and aren’t satisfied with easy answers and standard solutions. To work at the UvA is to work in an independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterised by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society.

Faculty of Science - Institute of Physics

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 6,500, as well as 1,600 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

Embedded in the Institute of Physics the Van Wezel group studies various aspects of condensed matter theory, with a recent focus on the physics of charge and orbitally ordered materials, competing instabilities in low-dimensional materials, the interplay between crystal symmetries and topology, and the dynamic emergence of classical physics in macroscopic quantum matter.