PhD Position in Algebraic Topology

Do you have an inquisitive mind and a passion for mathematics? Please apply for a PhD position at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Deadline 15 Mar ’26 Published 6 Feb ’26 Vacancy ID 5357

The Department of Mathematics of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam welcomes applications for a 4‑year PhD position in Algebraic Topology. The PhD student will work on topics in Topology such as manifold invariants, exploring links to Homotopy Theory and Mathematical Physics, under the supervision of Renee Hoekzema. Furthermore there is the possibility to work on applications of Topology in the Sciences.

Symmetry on the interface of topology and higher algebra

The position is part of the NWO ENW‑XL project Symmetry on the interface of topology and higher algebra (https://www.math.ru.nl/symmetry/), based at Radboud University Nijmegen, Utrecht University, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. This community meets frequently for shared events.

Topology and its applications at the VU

Topology research at VU Amsterdam is part of the Center for Topology and its Applications (CTA^2 https://www.cta2.nl/ ) at the Department of Mathematics. We are an inclusive, interdisciplinary group, and diversity and internationalism is at the heart of our research principles, as well as our teaching practice.

The preferred starting date is 1 September 2026 (flexible).

EEO statement

Applications from all groups currently under‑represented in academic posts are especially encouraged. We particularly welcome applications from women and people with an ethnic minority background.

Your duties

• doing research towards writing a PhD thesis
• teaching tasks (roughly 15% of your time), for instance supervising exercise classes

Requirements

• a (prospective) MSc. Degree in Mathematics (or an equivalent thereof)
• good communication skills in English
• an interest and a background in algebraic topology

Conditions of employment

Fixed‑term contract: 1 year. The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a further 3 years.

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. On full‑time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €3059 (at the start) and a maximum €3881 (in the fourth year). The job profile is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for 0.8‑1.0 FTE.

Benefits:

• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end‑of‑year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full‑time employment
• good paid parental leave scheme

Additional information

Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button by 15 March 2026 and upload: a cover letter, a CV, a list of courses and grades at the MSc level, a (draft) MSc thesis if available, and the names and e‑mail addresses of two references.

Applications received by e‑mail will not be considered.

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