Postdoc Position: Mathematical Relativity

Postdoc Position: Mathematical Relativity

Employment

0.8 - 1.0 FTE

Gross monthly salary

€ 3,706 - € 5,760

Required background

PhD

Organizational unit

Faculty of Science

Application deadline

10 January 2027

Apply now

Are you passionate about the mathematical aspects of gravity? Join the Department of Mathematics as a postdoctoral researcher and contribute to our research on the large-scale geometry and dynamics of spacetimes. We provide a stimulating research environment in an international team at the interface of mathematics and physics.

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher in Mathematics with expertise in mathematical relativity, broadly interpreted to include Lorentzian geometry, geometric analysis, and partial differential equations related to general relativity. You will work under the supervision of Dr Annegret Burtscher on problems related to non-smooth spacetime geometries and spacetimes with singular boundaries appearing in general relativity. The position is part of the Vidi project 'Spacetimes near the Boundary of Existence', funded by the Dutch Research Council.

You will be encouraged to participate in relevant conferences, workshops and seminars, and to communicate your findings through publications in peer-reviewed journals. There are no teaching obligations but, if so desired, a light teaching load or supervision tasks can be arranged.

The open and safe environment at Radboud University is extremely inspiring. I’ve felt totally at home here for over twenty years.

Hans de Kroon

Professor at the Faculty of Science

Hans de Kroon is a Professor of Plant Ecology and an initiator of the Healthy Landscape Research Consortium.

"I have freedom of movement at Radboud University. I can share my ideas with people from my own faculty, but I can also approach my colleagues from totally different academic disciplines. People are genuinely interested in each other and there is an ever-present air of equality. This type of open and safe environment is extremely inspiring. It has also led to extraordinary projects like the Healthy Landscape Research Consortium, in which ecologists, communication scientists and lawyers are contributing towards the restoration of nature. Collaboration can make a difference, and this is also evident from the way in which the university supports its academic staff. Research is fully embraced and promoted, which is affirmed by the way that it’s been used in the ‘You Have a Part to Play’ campaign. This actually enhances the social impact of our work. It makes me proud to be able to say that I’m conducting my research at Radboud University. I’ve felt totally at home here for over twenty years."

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Does this sound like you?

• You hold a PhD in Mathematics or expect to obtain such a degree before the starting date.
• You have demonstrable interest and experience in the field of mathematical relativity, with a focus on geometric analysis, Lorentzian geometry and/or partial differential equations related to general relativity.
• You have an excellent academic publication record in the field relative to your career stage.
• You can work independently and collaboratively in an international research team and multidisciplinary research environment.
• You have excellent writing and communication skills in English.

What we offer you

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of two years based on full-time employment. The position can be filled on a part-time basis, with a minimum appointment of 0.8 FTE. For part-time appointments, the contract duration will be extended proportionally.
• Your salary within salary scale 10 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• 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.

Additional employment conditions

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.

Where you will be working

You will be part of the Mathematical Relativity group consisting of Dr Annegret Burtscher, Dr Sharmila Gunasekaran, and temporary staff. We are part of the Mathematical Physics section of the Mathematics Department at Radboud University. We also have close ties with the Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics sections and share common interests with the Gravity section of the High Energy Physics Department at our joint Institute of Mathematics, Astrophysics and Particle Physics and the Radboud Center for Natural Philosophy.

The Mathematics Department has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with a good balance of senior and junior staff, as well as of Dutch and international researchers. We regularly organise local research seminars, a colloquium, and several other events. Nationally, we organise and take part in events of the Dutch Mathematical Relativity Group and the GQT cluster.

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.

If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University, follow our Instagram account and read stories from our colleagues.

Is this the job for you?

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Dr. Annegret Burtscher. We look forward to receiving your application.

We ask you to include following documents with your application:

• Your CV, including a list of publications.
• A cover letter.
• The names and email addresses of three referees who can be contacted for a reference letter.
• A research statement.

The first interviews will take place in the week of 25 January. Any second interview will take place in February. You will preferably start your employment on 1 September 2027, but there is some flexibility.

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.

Do you already work at Radboud University and have questions about making an internal move? Learn more about internal applications.

Apply now

Application deadline 10 January 2027

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

Want to know more about this position?

Dr A.Y. Burtscher (Annegret)

burtscher [at] math.ru.nl

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Last modified

04 November 2026

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