PhD Position Algebraic and Topological Dynamics

Job Description

Laminated spaces turn up in dynamical systems, geometric group theory, number theory, and quasicrystals. You will study their fundamental properties and extend their applications in these fields.

Matchbox–manifolds are natural generalizations of Euclidean manifolds. While the one-dimensional case is relatively well understood, higher‑dimensional m–manifolds remain largely unexplored. The focus of your research will be a special class of m–manifolds with additional symmetries that support rich dynamical behaviour. These spaces were recently identified as particularly promising: they have now been topologically classified under the assumption of a free abelian group action, which opens the door to applications in higher‑dimensional tiling theory and raises new questions on how the abelian condition may be relaxed.

You will collaborate closely with PhD students and postdocs at TU Delft and Leiden University who are working on other aspects of m–manifolds and dynamics. You will join the Applied Probability group at TU Delft, an active research environment spanning a wide variety of pure and applied topics.

The supervision team consists of Robbert Fokkink (TU Delft) and Olga Lukina (Leiden University). This PhD position is part of the NWO project 3‑FOLDS, led by Olga Lukina (Leiden University).

• An MSc degree in Mathematics or Theoretical Physics.
• Strong proficiency in English, both spoken and written.
• Mathematical maturity, including the ability to learn advanced material and engage in creative problem solving.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4‑year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5‑year contract with an official go/no‑go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 – €3881 gross per month from the first year to the fourth year based on a full‑time contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline‑related and research skills. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work‑costs contribution.

Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to making your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands and expand your social network.

A Dual Career Programme is available to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Robbert Fokkink at r.j.fokkink.

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 11 Jan 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• A motivation letter, explaining why you would like to work with us, your research interest, and experience related to the research field.
• Degree transcripts.
• An up‑to‑date CV.

You can address your application to Robbert Fokkink.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English‑taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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