PhD Position in Mathematical Physics at Radboud University
Radboud University is accepting applications for a fully funded PhD position in mathematical physics within the Origins of Irreversibility project. The successful candidate will investigate gravitational and holographic systems out of equilibrium, with particular emphasis on black holes, entropy and irreversibility.
Scholarship Summary
- University: Radboud University
- Designation: PhD Candidate in Mathematical Physics
- Organizational Unit: Faculty of Science, Department of Mathematics
- Employment: Full-time, 1.0 FTE
- Duration: Four years, subject to a positive evaluation after the initial 1.5-year contract
- Salary: €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month
- Application Deadline: 16 September 2026
Position Details Table
- Position: PhD Position in Mathematical Physics
- Project: Origins of Irreversibility
- Host Institution: Radboud University
- Research Centre: Radboud Center for Natural Philosophy
- Required Background: Research university degree at Master’s level
- Workload: 1.0 FTE, including approximately 0.2 FTE teaching during the first three years
- Preferred Start Date: 1 October 2026, or later if necessary, but no later than 1 December 2026
- Main Supervisor: Klaas Landsman
- Daily Supervisor: Manus Visser
Research Area
The research concerns the thermodynamics of gravitational systems away from equilibrium, particularly black holes and cosmological horizons. Potential topics include:
- Dynamical horizon entropy
- Noether charge approaches to gravitational entropy
- Black hole phase transitions
- Non-equilibrium formulations of thermodynamics
- Quantum field theory in curved space-time
- Semiclassical gravity
- Gravitational path integrals
- One-loop corrections to horizon entropy
- Holographic descriptions of dynamical black holes
- Holographic heat engines
- History and philosophy of physics
The exact research direction may be adapted to the candidate’s academic background and interests.
Location
The position is based at the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Radboud University in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. The candidate will also be affiliated with the Radboud Center for Natural Philosophy.
Eligibility and Qualifications
- Applicants must hold, or be on track to obtain before the project begins, a Master’s degree in mathematics with a strong physics background, preferably in mathematical physics.
- Applicants with a Master’s degree in theoretical physics and a strong mathematical background are also eligible.
- Further academic qualifications in philosophy are recommended.
- Candidates should demonstrate strong mathematical and conceptual reasoning skills and the ability to perform calculations.
- Applicants must be able to understand literature covering mathematical and foundational aspects of physics.
- A demonstrable interest in strengthening connections among mathematics, physics, and the history and philosophy of science is required.
- Excellent written and spoken English communication skills are essential.
- Candidates should be communicative, curious, critical, enthusiastic, proactive and willing to learn.
- Applicants must be capable of working both independently and collaboratively.
Scholarship Description
This PhD position is funded through the John Templeton Foundation’s Origins of Irreversibility project. The candidate will conduct fundamental interdisciplinary research while participating in seminars, reading groups, conferences and workshops involving mathematical physics, theoretical physics, philosophy and the history of science.
The initial appointment is for 1.5 years. Following a positive performance evaluation, it will be extended by another 2.5 years, resulting in a four-year contract. The starting salary is €3,204 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week and increases to €4,051 in the fourth year.
Employment benefits include an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, a pension plan, flexible working arrangements and a choice of 30 or 41 annual leave days for full-time employees. The role also includes approximately 0.2 FTE of teaching assistance in mathematics and mathematical physics during the first three years.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through Radboud University’s online application system. The application letter should be addressed to Manus Visser. Applicants must complete the online form and attach the following documents:
- A motivation letter describing the applicant’s academic background, reasons for applying and potential research interests.
- A curriculum vitae containing the names, email addresses and contact details of two academic referees. One referee should be the applicant’s Master’s thesis supervisor.
- Transcripts of grades for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- The applicant’s Master’s thesis or an equivalent piece of academic writing.
Shortlisted applicants may have their referees contacted. First interviews are planned for 21 September 2026, and any second interviews are expected on 28 September 2026.
Last Date to Apply
Application deadline: 16 September 2026.
Apply Link
Apply for the PhD Position in Mathematical Physics
Applicants can also review the official opportunity page for complete and current information.
