PhD 'How Structure Organizes Nonlinear Wave Propagation' Leiden University in Netherlands

Leiden University is offering a 4-year PhD position in the Mathematical Institute on the project How Structure Organizes Nonlinear Wave Propagation: The Spatial Syntax of Waves. The position is supervised by Martina Chirilus-Bruckner in the research theme Analysis and Dynamical Systems within the Leiden University Faculty of Science.

The project studies nonlinear wave propagation in spatially structured heterogeneous media using partial differential equations and tools from finite- and infinite-dimensional dynamical systems theory. The exact thesis topic can be shaped to fit the candidate’s background and interests, and the supervisor encourages connecting the mathematical work to an application area. Possible motivating contexts mentioned in the posting include cardiac dynamics, ecological pattern formation, soft matter physics, metamaterials, and physical learning systems.

The successful candidate will join an active and growing research team and will have the opportunity to participate in local and national seminars. The position also includes funding to present at international conferences and workshops abroad. Leiden University notes that all PhD candidates are embedded in the Graduate School of Science.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in mathematics with a strong background in dynamical systems and differential equations, together with written and oral English proficiency. The appointment is full time, initially for one year and renewable for three additional years after a positive evaluation. The gross monthly salary starts at €3,059 in the first year and rises to €3,881 in the fourth year, with additional benefits including pension, paid parental leave, holiday allowance, and end-of-year bonus. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a tax break.

The application deadline is 31 July 2026, with applications received before 23 July 2026 guaranteed full consideration. Interested candidates should apply online and submit a CV, transcripts of Bachelor’s and Master’s studies to date, a completed application form, an optional draft of the Master’s thesis, and a motivation letter.