PhD Position: Mathematical Physics

Radboud University is a denominational university originally established in 1923 as the Catholic University of Nijmegen.

Required background Research University Degree

Organizational unit Faculty of Science

Are you passionate about mathematical and theoretical physics, and interested in the history and philosophy of physics? Would you like to explore fundamental questions about black holes, entropy and irreversibility? If so, this PhD position could be the perfect opportunity for you.

As a PhD candidate, you will conduct fundamental research on gravitational and holographic systems out of equilibrium. You will be part of both the Department of Mathematics at Radboud University and the Radboud Center for Natural Philosophy (RCNP), where mathematicians, physicists, philosophers and historians work together on foundational questions in the natural sciences, especially in physics.

This PhD position is part of the Origins of Irreversibility project funded by the John Templeton Foundation. Your research will focus on the thermodynamics of gravitational systems away from equilibrium, particularly black holes and cosmological horizons. Possible research directions include the dynamical horizon entropy, the Noether charge approach to gravitational entropy, black hole phase transitions, non-equilibrium formulations of thermodynamics, quantum field theory in curved space-time, semiclassical gravity, gravitational path integral, one-loop corrections to horizon entropy, holographic descriptions of dynamical black holes, and holographic heat engines.

The precise direction of the project can be adapted to your background and research interests.

The project has a strong conceptual and interdisciplinary component. You will be affiliated with the Radboud Center for Natural Philosophy (RCNP) and will actively participate in its seminars, reading groups and other activities bringing together mathematical physics, theoretical physics, and the history and philosophy of physics. You will also collaborate with other researchers in the Origins of Irreversibility project and participate in relevant national and international conferences and workshops.

Your duties as a teaching assistant in mathematics and mathematical physics will involve approximately 0.2 FTE during the first three years of appointment.

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate.

• You are communicative, curious, critical, enthusiastic, proactive and willing to learn.
• You should be able to work in a team as well as independently.
• You should excel in mathematical as well as conceptual reasoning about physics and in doing calculations, and also be able to understand the literature on both mathematical and foundational aspects of physics in depth.
• You hold a Master's degree in mathematics with a strong background in physics (preferably in mathematical physics) or in theoretical physics with a strong mathematical background; or you are on track to obtain a Master's degree before the starting date of the project.
• Further academic qualifications in philosophy are recommended.
• You have a demonstrable interest in the mission of the Radboud Center for Natural Philosophy to improve ties between mathematics, physics, and the history and philosophy of science.
• You possess excellent written and oral English communication skills.

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €3,204 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week,…