PhD in B-modes of Galaxy Shapes

The Institute for Theoretical Physics at Utrecht University invites applications for a PhD position in cosmology with galaxy shapes, supervised by Dr Elisa Chisari. The project combines theoretical and simulated studies to constrain cosmology using galaxy shape measurements with an emphasis on B‑modes. The position is co‑supervised by Professor Henk Hoekstra at Leiden Observatory.

Your job
As a university staff member, the PhD appointment is for four years and will lead to a dissertation. Approximately 10 % of your time will be spent as a teaching assistant. PhD candidates are expected to take several training courses, including attendance to two Dutch Research Schooles in Theoretical Physics over the course of the PhD.

The position is embedded in a vibrant community of theoretical cosmology, gravitational-wave, and string theory researchers. There are strong connections to national cosmology networks and observational collaborations.

Active participation is expected in group meetings, journal clubs, and international research projects. Dr Chisari’s team engages in major large-scale structure surveys (e.g. LSST DESC, Euclid), and visits to Leiden Observatory to collaborate with the lensing group are planned.

Involvement in outreach activities and the opportunity to supervise BSc and MSc students throughout the PhD as a daily supervisor are included. The position is intended to start between late 2025 and mid‑2026.

We are looking for someone with an MSc degree (or equivalent) in physics, astrophysics or a related subject by the starting date is required. English communication skills are highly desirable, as well as willingness to participate in large collaborations. Theoretical and numerical skills will be prioritised. Evidence of experience in scientific writing and outreach are a plus.

• A stimulating scientific environment where you will have ample opportunity to develop your own research ideas on the topic;
• a position for 18 months with an extension to a total of four years after positive evaluation;
• a full-time working week and a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881 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. 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.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.

The department of Physics hosts a unique group of scientists and supporting staff addressing problems in physics, from the smallest scales of elementary particles, via the 'human' scales of climate dynamics, to the largest scales of cosmology. The department has a long history of excellence in physics research and education. Today, we consist of about forty tenured staff which excel in research on topics such as String Theory, Cosmology, Hard- and Soft-Condensed Matter Physics, High-Energy Physics, Nanophotonics and Climate Physics. About fifty graduate and more than a hundred undergraduate students start each year in the broad Bachelor's programme and the four specialised Master's programmes.

The Physics department is located at Utrecht Science Park, the main campus of Utrecht University. The campus is approximately fifteen minutes by bicycle from Utrecht’s beautiful historic city centre and is also easy to reach by bus or tram. Utrecht is a vibrant city centrally located within the Netherlands.

You will be specifically embedded in the Institute for Theoretical Physics. Research at the Institute for Theoretical Physics in Utrecht covers high energy physics (elementary particle physics, quantum gravity, string theory), cosmology and gravitation, statistical physics (granular matter, chaos theory, critical phenomena) and condensed matter physics (superconductivity, Bose-Einstein condensation, quantum Hall effect, quantum computing, quantum magnetism).