PhD Position in Algebraic Topology

Do you have an inquisitive mind and a passion for mathematics? Please apply for a PhD position at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

PhD Position in Algebraic Topology

Your function

The Department of Mathematics of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam welcomes applications for a 4-year PhD position in Algebraic Topology. The PhD student will work on topics in Topology such as manifold invariants, exploring links to Homotopy Theory and Mathematical Physics, under the supervision of Renee Hoekzema. Furthermore there is the possibility to work on applications of Topology in the Sciences.

Symmetry on the interface of topology and higher algebra

The position is part of the NWO ENW-XL project Symmetry on the interface of topology and higher algebra, based at Radboud University Nijmegen, Utrecht University, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. This community meets frequently for shared events.

Topology and its applications at the VU:

Topology research at VU Amsterdam is part of the Center for Topology and its Applications (CTA^2) at the Department of Mathematics.

The preferred starting date is 1 September 2026 (flexible).

Your duties

• doing research towards writing a PhD thesis
• teaching tasks (roughly 15% of your time), for instance supervising exercise classes

Your profile

• a (prospective) MSc. degree in Mathematics (or an equivalent thereof)
• good communication skills in English

Priority will be given to candidates with:

• an interest and a background in algebraic topology

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. On full-time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €3059 (at the start) and a maximum €3881 (in the fourth year).

The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a 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 us

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, topology, geometry and algebra, as well as in stochastics (statistics, data analytics, probability).

Faculty of Science

Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact.