Join us!
Are you interested in geometry and analysis and do you want to develop new mathematics at the frontiers of mathematics? The algebra and geometry group of the Korteweg-de Vries Institute for Mathematics at the University of Amsterdam is inviting applications for a PhD position in mathematics. At the University of Amsterdam, you will be part of a research team consisting of two other PhD students under the supervision of Dr. Hessel Posthuma. The position is part of the NWO project “new invariants of singular foliations”, and the research will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Peter Hochs and another PhD student of the Radboud University Nijmegen.
This is what you will do
Singular foliations play an increasingly fundamental role in fundamental areas of mathematics. As a member of the research team you will develop new invariants of these structures using techniques from noncommutative geometry, groupoids, general geometry and analysis on manifolds. During the PhD, you will initially work on a pre-specified subproject, which allows you to develop your knowledge of the topic and research skills. As you gain experience, you will increasingly shape your own research directions. You will collaborate closely with the other team members of the project, and connect with new (inter)national partners.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- Conduct research within the specified project, as described above.
- Disseminate your research findings through publications in academic journals or peer-reviewed international conference proceedings, and through presentations at international conferences.
- Participate in relevant seminars and engage in research collaborations locally and/or internationally.
- Participate in the Faculty of Science PhD training program.
- Participate in the department’s educational programs, assisting in teaching and supervision of undergraduate or Master students.
- Complete and defend a PhD thesis within the appointment duration of four years.
What we ask of you
We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven candidate who meets the following requirements:
Your experience and profile (below are examples, you don’t need to use them):
- You have a Master’s degree in mathematics, to be completed before the start of the position. Other degrees with a strong mathematical component can also be considered;
- You are creative and highly motivated to do research in mathematics;
- You should have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English;
- You should be able to work in a team as well as independently.
Knowledge of research fields relevant for the project, such as e.g. noncommutative geometry, is of course a plus, as are extra-curricular activities in, for instance, student associations, sports, music, etc.
This is what we offer you
A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is before September 1, 2026.
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week, will range from € 3.059 in the first year to €3.881 (scale P) in the last year. In addition, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end-of-year allowance. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.
You will work in this team
The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 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.
The Korteweg-de Vries Instituut voor Wiskunde (KdV Institute) is the mathematical research institute of the Faculty of Science of the Universiteit van Amsterdam. The KdV Institute offers a stimulating scientific environment in which research focuses mainly within the research programmes (1) Algebra, Geometry and Mathematical Physics, (2) Pure, Applied and Numerical Analysis, and (3) Stochastics and (4) Discrete Mathematics and Quantum Information. It also provides the lecturers and instructors for the mathematics teaching within the Science Faculty. The KdV Institute participates in the NWO research clusters GQT, STAR, NDNS+ and DIAMANT and in the Gravity programme NETWORKS. There is formal (and informal) cooperation with the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI), the VU University, and with Eurandom in Eindhoven. KdVI counts about 40 staff members and 50 postdocs and PhD students.
Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.
Are you a highly motivated student looking for a PhD position at the intersection of noncommutative geometry and analysis on foliations? If so, the Korteweg-de Vries institute for Mathematics at the University of Amsterdam is looking for you!
Join us!
Are you interested in geometry and analysis and do you want to develop new mathematics at the frontiers of mathematics? The algebra and geometry group of the Korteweg-de Vries Institute for Mathematics at the University of Amsterdam is inviting applications for a PhD position in mathematics. At the University of Amsterdam, you will be part of a research team consisting of two other PhD students under the supervision of Dr. Hessel Posthuma. The position is part of the NWO project “new invariants of singular foliations”, and the research will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Peter Hochs and another PhD student of the Radboud University Nijmegen.
This is what you will do
Singular foliations play an increasingly fundamental role in fundamental areas of mathematics. As a member of the research team you will develop new invariants of these structures using techniques from noncommutative geometry, groupoids, general geometry and analysis on manifolds. During the PhD, you will initially work on a pre-specified subproject, which allows you to develop your knowledge of the topic and research skills. As you gain experience, you will increasingly shape your own research directions. You will collaborate closely with the other team members of the project, and connect with new (inter)national partners.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- Conduct research within the specified project, as described above.
- Disseminate your research findings through publications in academic journals or peer-reviewed international conference proceedings, and through presentations at international conferences.
- Participate in relevant seminars and engage in research collaborations locally and/or internationally.
- Participate in the Faculty of Science PhD training program.
- Participate in the department’s educational programs, assisting in teaching and supervision of undergraduate or Master students.
- Complete and defend a PhD thesis within the appointment duration of four years.
What we ask of you
We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven candidate who meets the following requirements:
Your experience and profile (below are examples, you don’t need to use them):
- You have a Master’s degree in mathematics, to be completed before the start of the position. Other degrees with a strong mathematical component can also be considered;
- You are creative and highly motivated to do research in mathematics;
- You should have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English;
- You should be able to work in a team as well as independently.
Knowledge of research fields relevant for the project, such as e.g. noncommutative geometry, is of course a plus, as are extra-curricular activities in, for instance, student associations, sports, music, etc.
This is what we offer you
A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is before September 1, 2026.
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week, will range from € 3.059 in the first year to €3.881 (scale P) in the last year. In addition, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end-of-year allowance. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.
You will work in this team
The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 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.
The Korteweg-de Vries Instituut voor Wiskunde (KdV Institute) is the mathematical research institute of the Faculty of Science of the Universiteit van Amsterdam. The KdV Institute offers a stimulating scientific environment in which research focuses mainly within the research programmes (1) Algebra, Geometry and Mathematical Physics, (2) Pure, Applied and Numerical Analysis, and (3) Stochastics and (4) Discrete Mathematics and Quantum Information. It also provides the lecturers and instructors for the mathematics teaching within the Science Faculty. The KdV Institute participates in the NWO research clusters GQT, STAR, NDNS+ and DIAMANT and in the Gravity programme NETWORKS. There is formal (and informal) cooperation with the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI), the VU University, and with Eurandom in Eindhoven. KdVI counts about 40 staff members and 50 postdocs and PhD students.
Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button. We accept applications until and including June 1, 2026.
For clarifying questions about the nature of the vacancy, please contact:
Please note that applications submitted via email will not be considered. Unfortunately, it is also not possible to evaluate suitability for the position outside of the regular application process.
Applications should include the following information (all files besides your CV should be submitted in one single pdf file):
- A detailed CV (resume);
- A letter of motivation (approximately 1 page), including an estimated starting date;
- A transcript of BSc and MSc grades;
- A sample of a mathematical proof you have written, for example for a course or in a thesis;
- If available: a thesis or project report that demonstrates your academic writing skills;
- The name and email address of an academic reference who is willing to provide a reference letter upon request.
A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: national knowledge security guidelines)
Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.
