Job description

The PhD position is in the area of probability theory and statistical mechanics. The PhD project is a NWO funded "open competition project" which deals with the study of metastability for dilute spin systems. These are classical models of statistical mechanics with bond disorder, i.e. where deterministic pair interactions are replaced by random variables. The main objective is to develop a robust mathematical approach to study the metastable behaviour of these models. Metastability is a universal phenomenon, where a system spends a long time in a state of "pseudo equilibrium" until it crosses over to a stable state. This project aims at identifying the quantities characterising the stochastic nature of this phenomenon, such as the average and the distribution of the random transition time.

Requirements

The candidate should:

• Hold a master's degree in mathematics or theoretical physics;
• Have a profound knowledge of probability and mathematical physics\statistical mechanics;
• Have eagerness to explore complex mathematical challenges;
• Have English proficiency both written and spoken;
• Be able to work both independently and collaboratively.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Additional information

In order to simplify communication, please add the prefix [PhDPulvirenti2023] to the email's subject.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 19 December 2023 via the application button and upload your the following material:

• A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) addressed to Elena Pulvirenti. The motivation letter should summarize: (i) why you would like to do a PhD, (ii) why you are interested in the project/topic, (iii) why your profile is suitable for the job, and (iv) what you hope to gain from the position;
• A detailed CV (with contact information of 2-3 references);
• A transcript of BSc and MSc grades;
• The candidates bachelor's and master's theses (if available online, a link is sufficient). If available, a summary of the theses can be added;
• Optional: (draft) versions of papers that you have submitted/published.

You will be contacted by Elena Pulvirenti for an interview if you are among the leading candidates, in which case more specific information will be provided.

Please note:

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.