PhD in Mathematical and Computational Logic

Faculty/Services: Faculty of Science

Educational level: Master

Function type: PhD position

Closing date: 31 March 2022

Vacancy number: 8361

Do you have the technical skills and the scientific interest to conduct cutting-edge research in logic? We are looking for a PhD candidate for the research unit Mathematical and Computational Logic.

The research unit Mathematical and Computational Logic focuses on gaining a deeper understanding of the nature of information and the processes of reasoning and computation. Its research builds on a strong tradition in logic in the Netherlands, going back to the work of Brouwer, Heyting and Beth. Researchers in the unit are internationally recognized as leading figures on foundational issues in mathematics, theoretical computer science and AI. Current research focuses on modal and intuitionistic logic, set theory and category theory, and the dynamics of information.

You can obtain more details about the research unit and the vacancy by contacting the unit leader, Yde Venema, or any of the prospective project supervisors: Alexandru Baltag, Benno van den Berg, Nick Bezhanishvili, or Balder ten Cate.

What are you going to do

You will be expected to conduct a doctoral research project in mathematical and/or computational logic, under the supervision of one of the prospective PhD supervisors: Alexandru Baltag, Benno van den Berg, Nick Bezhanishvili, or Balder ten Cate, and:

• to complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;

• to present research results regularly at international workshops and conferences, and to publish them in conference proceedings and journals;

• to participate in and to contribute to the organisation of research activities and events at the Institute, such as workshops and colloquia.

PhD candidates at the ILLC furthermore are expected to contribute to the institute’s educational mission, e.g., by working as teaching assistants for courses in their area of expertise and by assisting with the supervision of student research projects.

What do we require

• A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as Logic, Theoretical Computer Science or Mathematics.

• An excellent academic track record.

• A serious interest in pursuing fundamental research.

• Good writing and presentation skills.

• Good social and organisational skills.

• Full professional proficiency in spoken and written English.

Please note that knowledge of the Dutch language is not required for this position, nor is it required for being able to live in Amsterdam. However, PhD candidates at the ILLC have the opportunity to attend Dutch language classes if they wish.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of four years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of four years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

Your salary, depending on your relevant experience on commencement of the employment contract, ranges between €2,434 to €3,111 gross per month on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8.3% year-end allowance. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU) is applicable.

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 39,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 7,000, as well as 1,600 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC) is a research institute at the UvA in which researchers from the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Humanities. collaborate. Its central research area is the study of fundamental principles of encoding, transmission and comprehension of information. Research at ILLC is interdisciplinary, and aims at bringing together insights from various disciplines concerned with information and information processing, such as logic, mathematics, computer science, linguistics, natural language processing, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, music cognition, and philosophy.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Questions

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation? Please contact the chair of the selection committee: Yde Venema or one of the other two members: Benedikt Löwe or Maria Aloni.

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receive the following in PDF format:

• a cover letter of at most two pages, in which you specify the motivation for your application, indicate the research area of your interest, and mention the name of a potential supervisor for your project (Baltag, van den Berg, Bezhanishvili and/or ten Cate);

• in one single pdf file; please upload this file in the mandatory CV field:

  • a detailed curriculum vitae (CV);

  • a list of all Master-level modules you have taken, with an official transcript of grades;

  • a link to a writing sample available online, such as a Master’s thesis, a term paper, or a publication (in case of joint authorship, please clearly indicate your own contribution);

  • the names, affiliations, and email addresses of two or (at most) three people we can contact for letters of reference for you.

Please mention the months (not just years) in your CV when referring to your education and work experience.

Only applications that conform to these instructions are ensured full consideration by the search committee. In particular, please do not submit more than one file.

You can apply online via the link below. We will accept applications until 31 March 2022.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online interviews in April with their prospective supervisor and/or other researchers. The interviewers may request the submission of a brief research proposal before the interview.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.