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Radboud University

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PhD Position in Mathematical Physics, Gravitational and Holographic Systems Out of Equilibrium Radboud University in Netherlands

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Mathematics

Funding

Temporary 1.0 FTE PhD employment for 1.5 years, extendable by 2.5 years after positive evaluation for a total of 4 years. Salary starts at €3,204 gross per month and rises to €4,051 in the fourth year, plus 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and extra leave days.

Deadline

Sep 16, 2026

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Country

Netherlands

University

Radboud University

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Keywords

Mathematics
Theoretical Physics
Quantum Field Theory
Mathematical Physics
Holography
Entropy
Black Hole
Physics
Thermodynamics

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About this position

Radboud University in the Netherlands is advertising a PhD position in Mathematical Physics within the Faculty of Science, Department of Mathematics, and the Radboud Center for Natural Philosophy (RCNP). The project is part of the Origins of Irreversibility initiative funded by the John Templeton Foundation.

The research focuses on gravitational and holographic systems out of equilibrium, with particular attention to black holes, entropy, irreversibility, thermodynamics of gravitational systems, cosmological horizons, and related foundational questions in physics. Possible directions include dynamical horizon entropy, Noether charge approaches to gravitational entropy, black hole phase transitions, non-equilibrium thermodynamics, quantum field theory in curved spacetime, semiclassical gravity, gravitational path integrals, one-loop corrections to horizon entropy, holographic descriptions of dynamical black holes, and holographic heat engines.

The position is highly interdisciplinary and connects mathematical physics, theoretical physics, and the history and philosophy of physics. The successful candidate will be affiliated with RCNP, participate in seminars and reading groups, collaborate with researchers in the project, and attend national and international conferences and workshops. Teaching assistant duties in mathematics and mathematical physics are expected at about 0.2 FTE during the first three years.

Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a relevant Master's degree in mathematics or theoretical physics with a strong complementary background in the other field. Strong mathematical reasoning, conceptual understanding of physics, and excellent English communication skills are required; philosophy background is recommended. The appointment is full-time (1.0 FTE) and offered as a 4-year PhD contract, starting with 1.5 years and extended after evaluation.

Funding includes a gross monthly salary of €3,204 rising to €4,051 in the fourth year, plus holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, and generous leave. The application deadline is 16 September 2026. Applicants must apply through the university portal and submit a motivation letter, CV with two academic referees, transcripts, and a Master's thesis or equivalent writing sample.

Funding details

Temporary 1.0 FTE PhD employment for 1.5 years, extendable by 2.5 years after positive evaluation for a total of 4 years. Salary starts at €3,204 gross per month and rises to €4,051 in the fourth year, plus 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and extra leave days.

What's required

Applicants should have a Master's degree in mathematics with a strong background in physics, preferably mathematical physics, or a Master's degree in theoretical physics with a strong mathematical background, or be on track to obtain such a degree before the start date. Further academic qualifications in philosophy are recommended. Candidates should be communicative, curious, critical, enthusiastic, proactive, willing to learn, able to work both in a team and independently, strong in mathematical and conceptual reasoning about physics, able to do calculations and read literature in mathematical and foundational physics in depth, and have excellent written and oral English skills.

How to apply

Apply only via the university application button/portal. Address the application letter to Manus Visser and upload a motivation letter, CV with two academic referees, grade transcripts for Bachelor's and Master's degrees, and your Master's thesis or equivalent academic writing.

More information can be found here

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