At the Mathematical Institute of Utrecht University we are looking for a PhD candidate to join our project Surfaces on fourfolds on the enumerative geometry of surfaces on Calabi-Yau fourfolds and related subjects.

Your job
Enumerative geometry is the field of algebraic geometry dealing with counting geometric objects satisfying constraints. So far, enumerative geometry largely concerned curve counting. This PhD position is funded by the ERC Consolidator Grant Surfaces on fourfolds on the enumerative geometry of surfaces on Calabi-Yau fourfolds and related subjects. This new field has unexpected connections with various areas of mathematics and physics, such as Hodge theory, singularity theory, representation theory, and string theory.

This ERC project Surfaces on fourfolds is comprised of 2 PhD positions and 2 postdoc positions which will be filled during the period September 2023-September 2028.

You will be part of the Utrecht Geometry Centre, which encompasses all the research groups in pure mathematics within the Mathematical Institute of Utrecht University. Our expertise covers a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from algebraic and differential geometry to algebraic topology, logic, and number theory.

During your PhD programme, up to 10% of your time will be devoted to teaching activities within our curriculum. Your work as a PhD candidate will be complemented by a complete training programme within the Graduate School of Natural Sciences.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled colleague who possesses the following characteristics:

• an MSc in mathematics;
• strong analytic skills;
• good English skills, both in speaking and writing;
• it is a great advantage when you have taken some basic algebraic geometry courses or have done an MSc thesis in algebraic geometry.

We offer:

• a position for four years;
• a gross monthly salary ranging from €2,770 in the first year and increasing to €3,539 in the fourth year in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

Universiteit Utrecht

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You will be part of the Utrecht Geometry Centre, which encompasses all the research groups in pure mathematics within the Mathematical Institute of Utrecht University. Our expertise covers a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from algebraic and differential geometry to algebraic topology, logic, and number theory.