PhD Position in Homotopy Theory

Utrecht University via AcademicTransfer; Nederland; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Holiday pay 8%

Year-end bonus 8.3%

Flexible terms of employment

Tailor employment package (CAO NU)

Job summary

Utrecht University invites applications for a 4-year PhD position in the Mathematical Institute. You will join the NWO XL consortium project on Symmetry at the interface of topology and higher algebra, under Gijs Heuts, collaborating with Radboud University Nijmegen and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

The role combines cutting-edge research with undergraduate teaching. Requirements: MSc in mathematics (or nearing completion), strong background in homotopy theory, excellent English, and a

Qualifications

• MSc in mathematics or nearing completion.
• Strong background in homotopy theory or related areas.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Collaborative and enterprising attitude toward research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research on the interplay of topology and higher algebra.
• Contribute to teaching undergraduate mathematics courses.
• Collaborate within the NWO XL consortium and partner universities.

Skills

Homotopy theory

English proficiency

Education

MSc in Mathematics

Near completion of MSc

Job description

Organisation/Company Utrecht University Research Field Mathematics » Algebra Mathematics » Geometry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 15 Nov 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 40.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Join us for a 4-year PhD position at Utrecht University’s Mathematical Institute. You will work within the NWO XL consortium project ‘Symmetry on the interface of topology and higher algebra’, a collaboration with Radboud University Nijmegen and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, under Gijs Heuts’ supervision.

Your job

You will conduct cutting edge research with a focus on the interplay of topology and higher algebra. The precise goals of the research project are flexible, but within the scope of the large collaborative project. You will have the opportunity to adapt your research to your own strengths and interests. Additionally, this PhD position involves teaching activities for undergraduate mathematics courses offering you the opportunity to gain valuable academic teaching experience.

Excited to join this project? We are looking for a new colleague who meets the following criteria:

• You have an MSc degree in mathematics or are nearing completion of your degree.
• You have a strong background in homotopy theory or related areas.
• You are proficient in written and spoken English.
• You possess a collaborative and enterprising attitude towards research in mathematics.

Additional Information

• a position for 18 months, with an extension to a total of four years upon a positive assessment in the first 18 months;
• a gross monthly salary starting at € 3,204 in the first year and increasing annually up to €4,051 in the fourth year between (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU). The salary is based on a 38-hour working week;
• 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 set out in our collective labour agreement, we offer attractive additional benefits, including opportunities for personal and professional growth , flexible leave arrangements, and extra vacation days. Through the UU Terms of Employment Options Model, you can tailor your employment package to your needs. In this way, we encourage you to grow in what you do, both in your work and in your development. Read more about our terms of employment .

Selection process

At Utrecht University, we strive to be a place where everyone feels at home. We value colleagues with different backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including differences in culture, religion or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, disability and age. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute. Read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. If you have any questions about accessibility, for example regarding your workplace Hans Freudenthalgebouw , the application process or your work, please contact us via our HR contact page .

Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.