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The Mathematical Institute is looking for a PhD student to join the ERC project Enumerative and Arithmetic Geometry of Logarithmic curves under the supervision of Davd Holmes

PhD: Enumerative and Arithmetic Geometry (1.0 FTE)

Description of the project
Applications are invited for a 4-year PhD position with David Holmes at the Mathematics Institute of the University of Leiden, as part of the ERC Consolidator project EAGL. The project focuses on geometric and arithmetic properties of families of curves; the precise topic of your thesis will depend on your interests and background. You can get an idea of my research interests from my homepage at www.davidholmes.nl .

You will be joining an active and growing group around enumerative and log geometry, within a larger group in Leiden specialising in algebra, geometry and number theory. We run a lot of local reading groups, as well as taking part in national and international algebraic geometry seminars.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in mathematics, including a solid background in at least one of algebraic geometry and number theory;
• Written and oral proficiency in English;

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

Mathematical Institute
The Mathematical Institute (MI) is one of the eight institutes within the Faculty of Science and has a strong international orientation. Its mission is to push the frontiers of scientific knowledge by developing and applying high quality mathematics, while offering a wide range of mathematical training in a friendly and intellectually stimulating environment. We believe that mathematics is an essential part of human knowledge, and we take pride in our role as keepers of this rich field of science. We are dedicated to push the boundaries of mathematical knowledge and to contribute our experience towards solving problems in other sciences, society, and industry. In addition, we promote mathematical literacy in society at large through a multitude of outreach activities. The Mathematical Institute has four research themes: Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory; Analysis and Dynamical Systems; Probability Theory; and Statistics and Data Science. There are many collaborations between the themes. More information about the Mathematical Institute can be found here.

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 € 2.872 per month in the first year to € 3.670 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.

Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Information
Enquiries about the position can be made to Prof.dr. David Holmes, holmesdst@math.leidenuniv.nl

Starting date

Around summer 2025, flexible.

Applications
To apply for this vacancy, please ensure that you join to your application the following documents:

• CV
• The transcripts of your Master’s 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)

Only applications received before 12 January 2025 will be considered.

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