Contact: r.loll[AT]science.ru.nlLocation: Nijmegen, The Netherlands
A PhD position in Quantum Gravity is available in the group of Prof. Renate Loll in the High-Energy Physics Department of Radboud University in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, starting no later than May 2025. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Prof. Loll and be part of a large and active research group in quantum and strong gravity, which also comprises senior members J. Ambjorn (part-time), B. Bonga, T. Budd, B. Krishnan and F. Saueressig, and a sizeable group of students and postdocs. Aim of the research is to relate the behaviour of nonperturbative quantum fluctuations of spacetime at the Planck scale to properties of the early universe. Note that the project has a significant computational component, using state-of-the-art lattice gravity methods based on causal dynamical triangulations.
Applicants must have a university degree in (theoretical) physics at master level or equivalent and proven abilities in theoretical physics and mathematics, including courses on General Relativity and Quantum Field Theory at a minimum. Good programming skills and a working knowledge of Monte Carlo simulations are essential prerequisites. The PhD position is for four years, which is the expected time for obtaining a doctoral degree in the Netherlands, and is paid according to nationally set standard rates. PhD candidates are required to take a number of courses, usually in the form of attending winter schools organized by the Dutch Research School for Theoretical Physics. They also act as teaching assistants for about ten percent of their working time. Prior to applying, candidates should inform themselves about the research done by Prof. Loll and the group by consulting website and publications.
Applications should be sent by email as a single pdf-file to R.Loll[AT]science.ru.nl and consist of a cover letter, CV, transcripts of university grades and degrees, a statement of research interests and motivation for undertaking doctoral research in quantum gravity, as well as the names of at least two senior scientists who are in a position to judge the applicant’s suitability for a PhD in theoretical physics. In case you have already applied for the recent PhD position in Quantum Gravity (advertised in Dec 2024 at hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2024/12/19/phd-position-in-quantum-gravity-nijmegen-the-netherlands-2/), and also want to be considered for the present position, a simple email stating this request is sufficient. Do not send the entire application file again. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for applications is Feb 21, 2025.