"PhD on moduli of curves and abelian varieties"

Job Description

The Mathematical Institute is looking for a PhD candidate to join the ERC project Enumerative and Arithmetic Geometry of Logarithmic Curves, under the supervision of David Holmes.

What you will do

Applications are invited for a 4-year PhD position at the Mathematical Institute of the University of Leiden, as part of the ERC project Enumerative and Arithmetic Geometry of Logarithmic Curves.

Moduli spaces of curves and abelian varieties play a central role in algebraic and arithmetic geometry, and can be studied from a variety of perspectives (modular curves, Shimura varieties, moduli spaces of flat structures, …). This project brings together a number of these approaches with applications to problems in enumerative geometry (specifically log Gromov-Witten theory; counting curves with tangency conditions) and in arithmetic geometry (understanding rational points on abelian surfaces).

There are a number of promising directions for a PhD candidate within this project; exactly what you will be working on depends on your background and interests, as well as the progress which has already been made when you join the project.

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. There are many opportunities for collaboration, and our students generally attend plenty of national and international schools and workshops.

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

Master’s degree in mathematics, including a solid background in at least one of algebraic geometry and number theory; Written and oral proficiency in English;

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: An employment contract for the duration of one year with a view to permanent employment. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities; A salary between €3059 - €3881 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (PhD student); 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?

If you want to apply straight away, click the application button.

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

You can apply until 4 January 2026.

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

To apply for this vacancy, please ensure that you include with your application the following documents: CV The transcripts of your Master’s studies to date A completed copy of the application form (you will need LaTeX to complete the form; if you do not have it installed, you can access it for free). A copy of (a draft of) your Master’s thesis (optional) A letter of motivation (preferably at most 1 page)