PhD position in Number Theory and Formalization at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The Department of Mathematics of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam welcomes applications for a fully-funded, 4-year PhD position in Number Theory and Formalization.

The preferred starting date is in the period 1 May-1 September 2022.

The candidate will conduct research on Sander Dahmen’s NWO-funded project “Formalizing Diophantine algorithms”. This amounts to both developing and formalizing (with a proof assistant such as Lean or Coq) number theory necessary for solving Diophantine problems. The focus wil be on effective/algorithmic number theory, but more “pure” results will (necessarily) also play an important role. We note that in this project most of the time will likely be spent on actual formalization work and that the proof assistant to be used will probably be Lean (but that is open for discussion). The position also contains a small teaching component.

The research wil be embedded in the Algebra and Number Theory group of the Mathematics Department and in particular connects to the CAN-endowed chair “Automated verification of mathematical proof” held by Assia Mahboubi. Within the Faculty of Science there will also be close collaboration with (Theoretical) Computer Science, especially the group of Jasmin Blanchette.

Applications from all groups currently under-represented in academic posts are particularly encouraged. We are working to improve the present gender balance within the department, and particularly welcome applications from women.

Your duties

  • Doing research towards writing a PhD thesis.
  • Presenting research results at conferences/in articles.
  • Teaching tasks (roughly 15% of your time), which typically consist of supervising exercise classes and correcting homework.

Requirements

  • A (prospective) MSc degree in Mathematics (or an equivalent thereof) with excellent results.
  • A strong background in number theory.
  • Some affinity with computer algebra/programming.
  • Ideally, some experience with proof assistants, but in any case interested in formalization of mathematics.
  • Good communication skills in English.

What are we offering?

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. On full-time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €2,334 (at the start) and a maximum €3,111 (in the fourth year). The job profile is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for 0.8-1.0 FTE.

The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for further 3 years. Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

  • 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.

About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 26,000 students. We employ over 4,600 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity

We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students.

The Department of Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics strives for excellence in research. The department balances pure mathematical research with mathematical research motivated by applications. Researchers in the department are on one hand active at a fundamental and theoretical level, and, on the other hand, work on applications with links to business, the sciences, and societal issues. The department has a strong international research staff with expertise in dynamical systems, geometry and algebra, as well as in stochastics (statistics, data analytics, probability).

Application

Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button by 29 March 2022 and upload: a cover letter, a CV, a list of courses and grades at the MSc and BSc level, a (draft) MSc thesis if available or otherwise some other mathematical text that you wrote (e.g. a BSc thesis), and the names and e-mail addresses of two references.

Furthermore, you should arrange for one recommendation letter (from one of the two mentioned references) to be sent directly by the referee to s.r.dahmen@vu.nl by 29 March 2022, mentioning your name in the subject line.

Applications received by e-mail will not be processed.

Vacancy questions

If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact:

Name: Sander Dahmen Position: Assistant Professor of Mathematics E-mail: s.r.dahmen@vu.nl