Are you enthusiastic about mathematical physics with an eye on the philosophy of physics? This is the opportunity for you! As a PhD candidate you will do fundamental research on black holes and especially horizon entropy, using techniques ranging from thermodynamics to holography and (algebraic) quantum field theory. The project will be supervised by Manus Visser with Klaas Landsman as promotor.

You will be a member of both the Department of Mathematics within the Institute for Mathematics, Astrophysics, and Particle Physics (IMAPP) of Radboud University and the new Radboud Center for Natural Philosophy (RCNP). Thus you are able and willing to work in an interdisciplinary team and especially in the mathematics-physics-philosophy triangle.

The daily activities of the PhD candidate consist mainly in doing research in mathematical physics, and partly also in philosophy of physics. Further, it is expected that the candidate participates in the seminars by internal and external speakers as well as reading clubs and group activities of the RCNP. The candidate should be comfortable using both heuristic and rigorous mathematical tools to attack fundamental problems at the frontier of modern physics. Collaboration with other PhD candidates and faculty members will be encouraged. The candidate will be also part of a strong and coherent national and international network of researchers. The position includes funding for traveling to international conferences and visiting collaborators worldwide. Your duties as a teaching assistant are about 0,2 fte during the first three years of appointment.

• You are communicative, curious, critical, enthusiastic, proactive, and willing to learn.
• You should be able to work in a team as well as independently.
• You should excel in mathematical reasoning about physics and in doing calculations, and should also be able to understand literature on foundations of physics in depth.
• You hold a Master's degree in mathematics with a strong background in physics (preferably in mathematical physics) or in theoretical physics with a strong mathematical background; or you are on track to obtain a master’s degree around the starting date of the project (September 2024).
• Further academic qualifications in philosophy are recommended.
• Classes taken in (advanced) General Relativity, (advanced) Quantum Field Theory, and Mathematical Methods in Theoretical Physics (topology, differential geometry and Lie algebras) are recommended.
• You have a demonstrable interest in the mission of the Radboud Center for Natural Philosophy to improve ties between mathematics, physics, and history and philosophy of science.
• You possess excellent written and oral English communication skills.

Fixed-term contract: You will be employed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract).

• It concerns an employment for 1.0 FTE.
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,770 per month based on a 38-hour working week, and will increase to €3,539 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will be employed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract).
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services. Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
• Working for us means getting extra days off. In case of full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41days of annual leave instead of the legally allotted 20.

Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

The Radboud Center for Natural Philosophy was created by 2022 Spinoza laureate Klaas Landsman. It is a forum for the exchange of ideas across mathematical physics, theoretical physics, philosophy of science, and the history of science. RCNP's general research focuses on determinism, randomness and emergence in modern physics. Members of RNCP include Klaas Landsman, Henk de Regt, Marij van Strien, Kian Salimkhani and Manus Visser, and at least two other PhD candidates. The Department of Mathematics at Radboud University is part of IMAPP, the Institute for Mathematics, Astrophysics and Particle Physics in the Faculty of Science. Several activities are organised jointly with the other departments in the Institute to foster interdisciplinary interaction.

The Department of Mathematics represents a broad range of areas, including pure and applied analysis, mathematical physics, algebraic geometry, noncommutative geometry, and number theory. Within IMAPP, the adjacent departments of High-Energy Physics, including a very strong theory group in quantum gravity led by Renate Loll, and Astrophysics, including a world-leading group in black hole imaging with the Event Horizon Telescope led by Heino Falcke, are relevant partners in this research project. IMAPP has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and employs the right balance of junior and senior staff, as well as of Dutch and international researchers, and it organises regular research seminars and informal events.

The Mathematics Department has around 25 PhD candidates who together organise various academic (PhD colloquium, reading groups) and social activities. IMAPP has approximately 100 PhD candidates altogether. PhD candidates at Radboud University are given plenty of opportunities for continuous development, as well as support during their PhD and for finding a job afterwards, both in academia and in industry. Moreover, the PhD Organisation Nijmegen organises educational and social activities, focusing in particular on the well-being of PhD candidates.

Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands and students form a large part of its population: old city, young vibe. It won the title of European Green Capital in 2018. In a recent article, the BBC called Nijmegen 'The progressive city that few know'. Nijmegen is a lively city and offers various events during the year (e.g. the InScience Film Festival, the 4Days Marches, concerts and art events). Its rural surroundings are ideal for hiking, cycling and other outdoor activities. And not unimportant Nijmegen has the advantage of being close to international airports (Schiphol, Eindhoven).

Radboud University
At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.
 
If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University, follow our Instagram account and read stories from our colleagues.