Vacancy number: 16742
Job type: PhD positions
Contract hours min: 38
Contract hours max: 38
Location: Leiden
Applying is possible up to and including: 31 juli 2026
The Mathematical Institute is looking for 1 PhD candidate to join the project ‘How Structure Organizes Nonlinear Wave Propagation - The Spatial Syntax of Waves’ under the supervision of Martina Chirilus-Bruckner (1.0 FTE position)
What you will do
Applications are invited for a 4-year PhD position under the supervision of Martina Chirilus-Bruckner at the Mathematical Institute of Leiden University, as part of the project ‘How Structure Organizes Nonlinear Wave Propagation: The Spatial Syntax of Waves’. The project focuses on nonlinear wave propagation in spatially structured heterogeneous media, described by partial differential equations and analyzed using tools from finite- and infinite-dimensional dynamical systems theory. The precise topic of the thesis can be tailored to the interests and background of the candidate (see https://pub.math.leidenuniv.nl/~chirilusbrucknerm/ for examples of topics). Due to the broad applicability of wave phenomena, the candidate is encouraged to connect their mathematical work to relevant questions from an application area of their choice. Possible motivating contexts in which the supervisor has direct links to researchers in the field include cardiac dynamics, ecological pattern formation, soft matter physics, metamaterials, and physical learning systems.
The candidate will be joining an active and growing research team within the larger group in Leiden specializing in ‘Analysis and Dynamical Systems’ and will be able to participate in a range of local and national seminars. The position includes funding to present at international conferences and workshops.
Where you will work
LEIDEN UNIVERSITY
Research at our faculty
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to contribute to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.
The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,500 staff and almost 6,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.
For more information, see Faculty of Science and Working at Leiden University
The Mathematical Institute (MI) is one of the eight institutes within the Faculty of Science and has a strong international orientation. The institute's mission is to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge by developing and applying high-quality mathematics while offering a wide range of mathematical programs in a friendly and intellectually stimulating environment. We believe that mathematics is a fundamental part of human knowledge, and we take pride in our role as guardians of this rich scientific discipline. We are dedicated to expanding the frontiers of mathematical knowledge and applying our expertise to solve challenges in other sciences, society, and industry. Additionally, we actively promote mathematical literacy through various outreach activities.
The Mathematical Institute focuses on four key research themes: Algebra, Geometry, and Number Theory; Analysis and Dynamical Systems; Probability; and Statistics and Data Science. There is extensive collaboration between these themes. For more information about the Mathematical Institute, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/mathematics.
What you bring
- Master’s degree in mathematics, including a solid background in dynamical systems and differential equations.
- Written and oral proficiency in English.
What we offer
Terms and conditions
- We offer a full-time appointment of initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research, teaching evaluations, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended for another three years.
- The gross salary ranges from € 3.059 per month in the first year to € 3.881 gross per month in the fourth year based on a full-time position (pay scale P).
- Additional funding is available to support travel to conferences and workshops abroad.
- Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package including pension build-up, paid parental leave and additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%). Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see our website: Working at Leiden University, Application process and working conditions
All our PhD candidates are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science.
What we value
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.
Want to apply or find out more?
To apply for this vacancy, click the application button. Please ensure that you join to your application the following documents:
- CV
- The transcripts of your Bachelor and Master studies to date
- A completed copy of the application form
- A copy of (a draft of) your Master’s thesis (optional)
- A letter of motivation (preferably at most 1 page)
Starting date: fall 2026, flexible.
If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact Martina Chirilus-Bruckner, at [email protected].
Applications received before July 23, 2026, will be guaranteed full consideration.
