PhD Position: Cosmological Correlators from Quantum Gravity

Employment

1.0 FTE

Gross monthly salary

€ 2,901 - € 3,707

Required background

Research University Degree

Organizational unit

Faculty of Science

Application deadline

12 May 2025

Are you eager to conduct research on cosmology and what this could teach us about quantum gravity? This is the opportunity for you!

As a PhD candidate you will conduct fundamental research on the overlap of cosmology and quantum gravity, using techniques from quantum field theory and quantum gravity. The project will be supervised by Dr Frank Saueressig (Radboud University) and Prof. Marieke Postma (Nikhef).

This PhD position is part of the Emergence at all Scales (EAAS) consortium, which is the flag-bearer of the Dutch Institute for Emergent Phenomena. EAAS is an interdisciplinary and collaborative endeavour by nine universities (eight Dutch, one Ukrainian) and Statistics Netherlands (CBS), aimed at understanding emergent phenomena across scales, combining multiple fields including physics, mathematics, astronomy, history and philosophy of science, and social science. Its approach to societal engagement throughout the project’s 5-year lifetime will be equally interdisciplinary, with a wide variety of activities ranging from art/science programmes, large-scale science festivals, citizen science and educational initiatives at various levels.

EAAS is hiring a total of 20 PhD/postdoc researchers to join the team, and our project/group leaders share the ambition of gender parity in hires across EAAS. Within this context we invite interested candidates to apply for the PhD position and work on the sub-project ’Cosmic correlators from quantum gravity’.

The position includes funding for travelling to international conferences and visiting collaborators worldwide. Your duties as a teaching assistant are about 0.1 FTE during the appointment.

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate . 

• You are communicative, curious, critical, enthusiastic, proactive, and excited to learn about new developments in theoretical physics.
• You are able to work in a team as well as independently.
• You hold a Master's degree in physics, with a strong emphasis on theoretical physics (demonstrated, for example, by having completed courses on general relativity and quantum field theory very successfully), or you are on track to obtain a Master’s degree around the starting date of the project (September 2025).
• You possess excellent written and oral English communication skills.

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).     
• You will receive a starting salary of €2,901 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,707 in the fourth year (salary scale P ).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• We offer Dual Career Coaching . The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

The PhD position is embedded in the Department of High-Energy Physics of the Institute for Mathematics, Astrophysics and Particle Physics (IMAPP) at Radboud University (Nijmegen, Netherlands). The department covers a broad range of topics, including theoretical and experimental particle physics, gravitational waves, and quantum gravity. Currently, it is home to 15 PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers. Its regular research seminars and informal events foster a vibrant and friendly research atmosphere. The position will also offer collaboration opportunities with other theoretical cosmologists of the EAAS consortium throughout the Netherlands.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.
We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.
Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.
Radboud University
At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.
If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University, follow our Instagram account(link is external) and read stories from our colleagues.

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You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Frank Saueressig. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on Tuesday 20 May. You will preferably start your employment on 1 September 2025.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure . It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates. 

Apply now Application deadline 12 May 2025

We would like to recruit our new colleague ourselves. Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be appreciated.

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