Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Probabilistic Turbulence Models at CWI Amsterdam, Netherlands

Summary

Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI), the Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science, is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position within the Scientific Computing research group. The selected candidate will conduct cutting-edge research on probabilistic turbulence models as part of the ERC Consolidator project SYMBIOSIS, under the primary supervision of Dr. B. Sanderse. The degree will be awarded in collaboration with the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e).

Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Probabilistic Turbulence Models at CWI Amsterdam

Position Overview

Designation

• PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher (m/f/x)

Research Area

• Applied Mathematics & Scientific Computing: Probabilistic Turbulence Modeling, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Uncertainty Quantification, Generative Machine Learning, Stochastic Modeling, Data Assimilation, and Model Order Reduction.

Location

• Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI), Science Park 123, 1098 XG Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Eligibility & Qualifications

• Academic Degree: A completed Master’s (MSc) degree in Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a closely related computational/quantitative discipline.
• Domain Expertise: Strong theoretical knowledge and background in at least one of the following:
  • Numerical analysis / Partial differential equations (PDEs)
  • Stochastic methods and probability theory
  • Generative machine learning / Scientific ML
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Data assimilation / Uncertainty quantification
• Technical Skills: Solid programming abilities (e.g., Python, Julia, or C/C++).
• Soft Skills & Language: Proven research potential, strong academic writing and communication skills, team-oriented mindset, and excellent command of spoken and written English.

Scholarship & Position Description

Project Description (ERC Project: SYMBIOSIS)

Turbulent fluid flows affect wind farms, atmospheric weather systems, and industrial pipelines. Because direct numerical simulation of every swirling eddy is computationally intractable, closure models must approximate unresolved turbulence.

The SYMBIOSIS framework uses physical and information-theoretic concepts of entropy to create entropy-stable, adaptive, probabilistic turbulence simulations. Depending on your specific strengths, the project focus will lean toward:

1. Stochastic fundamentals and mathematical formulation,
2. Generative machine learning for closures, or
3. Data assimilation for real-world engineering and environmental applications (such as wind-turbine wakes and $\text{CO}_2$ transport).

Employment Terms & Benefits

• Contract: Initial 18-month appointment, extended by 30 months (total 4 years) upon positive performance evaluation.
• Remuneration: Gross salary starting at €3,115 per month in the first year, progressing annually to €3,989 per month in year four (per the Dutch CAO-OI collective agreement).
• Additional Allowances: 8% annual holiday pay and an 8.33% year-end bonus.
• Relocation Support: Expat support and assistance with finding housing and visa arrangements where applicable.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the CWI Applicant Portal. Please prepare and upload the following documents in PDF format:

1. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Motivation Letter highlighting your research interests, relevant background, and career goals.
3. Academic Transcripts: Complete list of courses taken and grades obtained during both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
4. Master’s Thesis: A copy of your MSc thesis (or draft/summary if not yet completed).
5. References: Contact details for at least two academic references.

Last Date for Application

• August 31, 2026 (Applications submitted before the deadline will receive full consideration on a rolling basis).

Link