"3 year postdoc in moduli of curves and abelian varieties"

Job description

The Mathematical Institute is looking for a postdoc to join the ERC project Enumerative and Arithmetic Geometry of Logarithmic Curves, working with David Holmes.

What you will do

Applications are invited for a 3-year postdoc position at the Mathematical Institute of the University of Leiden, as part of the ERC project Enumerative and Arithmetic Geometry of Logarithmic Curves.

This project has two main goals:

• building and using cohomological field theory (CohFT) structures on logarithmic Gromov-Witten invariants;
• understanding the geometry of the moduli space of genus 2 curves/abelian surfaces, with eventual applications to rational torsion points on abelian surfaces. A particularly important step is understanding as well as possible the differential forms on the moduli of genus 2 curves/abelian surfaces with level structure.

These problems can be approached from many directions, and applicants from any of these directions are very welcome. This includes (but is not limited to) log geometry, modular and automorphic forms, moduli spaces, Gromov-Witten theory, classical theory of modular curves, and integrable systems.

My hope is that we will be able to work together on some part of these problems, while also allowing you ample time to develop your own research agenda.

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.

Where you will work

The Mathematical Institute (MI) is one of the eight institutes within the Faculty of Science and has a strong international orientation. The institute's mission is to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge by developing and applying high-quality mathematics while offering a wide range of mathematical programs in a friendly and intellectually stimulating environment. We believe that mathematics is a fundamental part of human knowledge, and we take pride in our role as guardians of this rich scientific discipline. We are dedicated to expanding the frontiers of mathematical knowledge and applying our expertise to solve challenges in other sciences, society, and industry. Additionally, we actively promote mathematical literacy through various outreach activities.

The Mathematical Institute focuses on four key research themes:

• Algebra, Geometry, and Number Theory;
• Analysis and Dynamical Systems;
• Probability, Operations Research, and Dynamics;
• Statistics.

There is extensive collaboration between these themes. For more information about the Mathematical Institute, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/mathematics.

What you bring

• PhD in mathematics;
• A track record of publications and preprints that is commensurate with your experience.

What we offer

Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.

You can count on an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research. The University's challenging and international work environment is located just steps away from Leiden’s lively city centre or the bustling city centre of The Hague. We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organise through Healthy University.

We also offer:

• a full-time appointment of initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended for another two years. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• a salary between €3546 - €5538 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (Scale 10);
• a holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
• flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can think of exchanging leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
• a home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop.

For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

What we find important

Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research means inclusive education and research.

Want to apply or find out more?

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

• CV including list of publications;
• Research statement describing both your past research and your future plans (please make this no longer than necessary to get the important ideas across);
• A letter of motivation, which should include a brief explanation of how your background makes you a good fit for the project (preferably at most 1 page);
• Names and contact details of three people who can be contacted to provide letters of recommendation.

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

You can apply until 07 December 2025.

To help us get to know each other better, we follow a number of steps in the application procedure. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this.