The successful candidate will be working on fundamental questions in complex networks. This is a very active field within probability theory, with applications ranging from physics and chemistry to computer science and population genetics.
The PhD positions are financed by NETWORKS, a collaborative research program funded by the Dutch science foundation, with partners from Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Leiden. See www.thenetworkcenter.nl. A brief description of each of the 4 PhD-projects is given below.

• A MSc degree;
• A special focus on probability theory;
• An interest in statistical physics is desirable;
• Excellent grades and good reference letters.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

We offer a one-year term position with the possibility of renewal based on need, funding and performance.  Salary range from €2,191 to €2,801.-gross per month (pay scale P,in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). There is no fixed starting date for the position.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses(8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.  Additional budget allows for research visits abroad and attendance of international conferences. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions.  

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science www.graduateschools.leidenuniv.nl. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Universiteit Leiden

Leiden is a typical university city, hosting the oldest university in the Netherlands (1575). The University permeates the local surroundings; University premises are scattered throughout the city, and the students who live and study in Leiden give the city its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

Leiden University is one of Europe's foremost research universities. This prominent position gives our graduates a leading edge in applying for academic posts and for functions outside academia. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.
The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Mathematical Institute is one of the eight institutes within the Faculty of Science. The expertise of the members of the institute covers a broad range of topics, with a focus on Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory; Analysis and Dynamical Systems; Probability Theory; and Statistics. Research focuses both on fundamental mathematics and statistics and on applications in other sciences, society and industry. The Mathematical Institute participates in all four national research clusters in mathematics. More information can be found on the webpages https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/mathematics.

There is a large research community in The Netherlands (in particular, in Leiden), including many PhD students. There is close collaborating nationwide.

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science