PhD Positions in Quantum Mathematics

Centre for Quantum Mathematics (QM) at Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (IMADA), University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applications for a number of three-year PhD positions with emphasis on either pure mathematics or theoretical physics. Targeted starting date for the positions is 1 August 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter. Application deadline: 15 December 2022.

There are several funding sources available at the centre both from European and Danish sources, including the ERC-Synergy Grant “Recursive and Exact New Quantum Theory (ReNewQuantum)” with Corresponding PI and QM Director Professor Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen, the Simons Collaboration grant on “New Structures in Low-Dimensional Topology” with PI Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen, the VILLUM Investigator grant “Mathematics of the open topological string” led by Professor Vivek Shende and the VILLUM Young Investigator grant “New invariants in low­-dimensional topology via quantum field theory” led by Associate Professor Du Pei.

We are not permitted to directly contact your academic references under any circumstances, so please ensure that their letters have reached us by the deadline.

The application requirements are detailed further down in this advertisement.

Research Environment
The QM centre is located at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Science on the international campus in Odense, Denmark. QM is newly established with the ambition to create a highly international and interdisciplinary group within a broad spectrum of pure mathematics and mathematical physics. Odense is a fast-growing international community with an open Scandinavian culture, affordable housing and living costs.

Candidate Profile
We are seeking highly motivated students interested in various areas of pure mathematics or theoretical physics, e.g. algebra, algebraic geometry, differential geometry, algebraic topology, complex geometry, quantum topology, geometric analysis, operator algebra, number theory, quantum field theory, string theory or mathematical physics, but also within the field of applications of pure mathematics in the study of biology, in particular macro-molecular folding, in big data analysis and in quantum computing.

Candidates with a strong pure mathematics or mathematical physics background are strongly encouraged to apply.

The successful candidates will be working closely with internationally renowned researchers at the SDU QM Centre. For the candidate funded by the ReNewQuantum project there will be the possibility to make shorter or longer research stays at one or more of the three partner institutions: University of Geneva (UNIGE), Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHES) and Institut de Physique Théorique (IPhT), CEA Saclay.

The successful candidates will be expected to have:
• An MSc degree in pure mathematics, mathematical physics or theoretical physics – to be obtained before 1 August 2023 (equivalent to a Danish Master's degree)
• Excellent writing and oral skills in English and the ability to work independently.

Contact Information
Further information is available from the Head of the Centre, Professor Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen ([email protected]), Professor Vivek Shende ([email protected]) and Associate Professor Du Pei ([email protected]).

One of the positions is subject to the entry into force of grant agreement no 810573 between University of Southern Denmark and The European Research Council (ERC) and thereby funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme.

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period. Please check links for more information on salary and taxation.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

The successful candidate will be enrolled at this university in accordance with faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Application must be made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:
• A research proposal/description of your approach to the above project (max one page excluding references)
• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) (please attach this under box "Application form")
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades
• At least two signed reference letters. Letters of recommendation should be submitted directly to [email protected] mentioning your name and the title of the position in the subject line. Please note that these also need to reach us before the deadline.

Shortlisting may be used. Shortlisted applicants will be assessed by an assessment committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the University. As part of the overall assessment, the applicant may be called for interview.

Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply online". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF or Word format. Each box can only contain a single file of max. 10 Mb. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply before you apply.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Further information for international applicants considering applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark. Please take a look at the webpage from our International Staff Office (ISO) at The University of Southern Denmark.