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PhD Candidate in Theoretical Cosmology

Employer
UNIVERSITY OF AMSTERDAM
Location
Amsterdam (NL)
Closing date
1 Feb 2020

The Amsterdam Cosmology Group (ACG) invites applications for a PhD position starting in the fall of 2020. The position will be under the supervision of Prof. Daniel Baumann.

The ACG is part of the Institute of Physics (IoP) and the Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITFA) at the University of Amsterdam. The ACG currently consists of four faculty members (Daniel Baumann, Ben Freivogel, Marieke Postma, Jan-Pieter van der Schaar), six postdocs and nine PhD students. The members of our group are interested in a wide range of topics in theoretical cosmology ranging from the dynamics of the early universe to the formation of large-scale structures in the late universe. The successful applicants would be embedded in a vibrant research environment at the IoP, which includes very active groups in high-energy physics (ITFA) and astroparticle physics (GRAPPA). Further information can be found on the ACG website.

What are you going to do?

The successful applicant will be given the opportunity to work on a wide range of topics in theoretical cosmology. The details of the PhD project will depend on the background and interests of the candidate, and will be determined in discussion with Prof. Baumann.

One possibility is to work on a further exploration of the 'Cosmological Bootstrap', as new approach to determine cosmological correlation functions from consistency requirements alone. The successful candidate would investigate how recent developments in the conformal bootstrap and in the physics of scattering amplitudes can be translated into the cosmological context. This project will be particularly well-suited for candidates with a strong background in quantum field theory.

For further information see: https://arxiv.org/abs/1811.00024 and https://www.quantamagazine.org/the-origin-of-time-bootstrapped-from-fundamental-symmetries-20191029/

What do we require?

An MSc in Physics or an equivalent degree is required to be considered for this position. The candidate needs to possess excellent written and oral English communication skills.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 number of hours per week for the duration of 4 years. (initial appointment will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it can be extended for a total duration of 4 years) and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be €2,325 to €2,972 (scale P) gross per month, based on full-time employment (38 hours a week). These amounts are exclusive 8 % holiday allowance and 8,3 end-of-year bonus. A favorable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits? Then find out more about working at the Faculty of Science.

Questions?

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation? Please contact: Prof. Daniel Baumann 

About the Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 7,000, as well as 1,600 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

Job application

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application. Applications will be received starting on 24 December 2019 and closing on 1 February 2020.

All applications should include a cover letter where you will briefly present yourself, a personal statement where your background and potential research interests are described, a CV, grade transcripts. Please make sure all your material is attached in only one pdf. Contact details of at least two referees should be provided in the application form. Upon submission of your application, our system will automatically send reference letter requests to the referees. Candidates may be interviewed in February. #LI-DNP

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