PhD Position in Homotopy Theory

Sport Society; Utrecht; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary progression

Holiday pay

Year-end bonus

Pension scheme

Parental leave

Flexible terms

Job summary

Join us for a 4-year PhD position at Utrecht University's Mathematical Institute, working on the NWO XL consortium project in topology and higher algebra under Gijs Heuts’ supervision.

The role combines original research with teaching undergraduate mathematics, and includes benefits such as a competitive monthly salary, holiday pay, year-end bonus, pension, and flexible terms under CAO NU.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Homotopy theory

Education

MSc degree in mathematics

Job 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.

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.

Our offer

• 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 collectivelabouragreement, we offer attractiveadditionalbenefits, including opportunities for personal and professional growth , flexibleleavearrangements,and extravacationdays. 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 .

About us

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 .

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.

Your qualities

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.

Our offer

• 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 collectivelabouragreement, we offer attractiveadditionalbenefits, including opportunities for personal and professional growth , flexibleleavearrangements,and extravacationdays. 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 .

About us

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 Utrecht Geometry Centre (UGC)

encompasses all the research groups in pure mathematics within the Mathematical Institute of Utrecht University. You will join the Algebraic Topology group within the UCG. We have a very active topology community including Lennart Meier and Gijs Heuts. We carry out research in unstable and stable homotopy theory, higher category theory, higher algebra, and derived algebraic geometry. As a member of our research team you will benefit from interactions with the other mathematicians at Utrecht, as well as with the many visitors we host. You will have ample opportunity to participate in seminars and workshops here in Utrecht. Funding is available to support travel to conferences and workshops abroad.

More information

For more information, please contact Gijs Heuts

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.

The application deadline is 15 November 2026.