PhD Position in Complex Dynamical Systems

Join us!
In complex dynamical systems, we study complicated phenomena that arise when iterating seemingly simple functions over the complex numbers. Examples of such functions include polynomials, rational functions, trigonometric functions, and many others. Core results in the field typically rely on techniques from complex analysis and dynamical systems, but the field is broad and is related to many other areas of mathematics, including measure theory, number theory and algebraic and complex geometry.

As a PhD student in this project, you will start working in this area of research under the supervision of Prof. Han Peters. A possible first research question concerns the existence of invariant measures that capture all the chaotic behavior of transcendental dynamical systems. Such measures are known to exist for any rational function, but for entire functions in the complex plane the question is wide open.

You will be embedded in the analysis group of the Korteweg-de Vries Institute for Mathematics, allowing you the opportunity to benefit from many other mathematicians in the institute. This includes Prof. Ale Jan Homburg and Dr. Maximilian Engel, both experts on dynamical systems and ergodic theory, postdoctoral researchers Josias Reppekus and Misha Hlushchanka, both active in different areas of complex dynamical systems. PhD students and postdoctoral reseachers in the KdV Institute are represented by their council, who strive for a socially active and supportive environment.

This is what you will do

You will work in the active and exciting research area called complex dynamical systems. Under the supervision of Prof. Han Peters your goal is to find a measure theoretic description of the chaotic behaviour arising in these dynamical systems. While the wider research area is more than a century old, this particular project one of many examples of new research directions that are wide open. While working in this area of research, you will interact with likeminded colleagues, both locally and internationally, and you will use your creativity and mathematical talents to obtain new results that may inspire others.

As a PhD student you will at times work individually, but as a modern scientist you will also brainstorm and work together with others. During your PhD trajectory you will further develop your collaborative skills. You will meet regularly with your supervisor, and attend and lectures in local seminars and colloquia, where occasionally you will also lecture on your ongoing project.

With the PhD position there are funds available to travel to national and international conferences on complex dynamical systems and related areas of mathematics.

Besides your main research activities, you will teach one course per semester for most semesters while you are employed at the KdVI. There will also be the expectation and opportunity to supervise Bachelor and Master students in their final project, under the responsibility of your supervisor.

What we ask of you

As a PhD student You are highly motivated to dive further into mathematical research. You are both able to work individually and to collaborate in a team.

Your experience and profile:

• MSc in Mathematics, or comparable;
• Flexible, readiness to interact and/or collaborate with other researchers;
• An open mind regarding mathematical projects;
• Professional command of English and the willingness to learn Dutch;

A willingness and some experience with programming and/or scientific computer software is considered a plus.

This is what we offer you

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 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 4 years). The preferred starting date is to be discussed, November 1st 2026 is an indicative date. 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.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,204 to € 4,051 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Curious about our extensive secondary benefits package? You can read more about it here.

You will work in this team

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 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 Korteweg-de Vries Institute for Mathematics (KdVI) is the mathematics research institute of the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam. KdVI provides a stimulating scientific environment, with research focusing on Algebra, Geometry and Mathematical Physics; Analysis; Stochastics; and Discrete Mathematics and Quantum Information. The institute also contributes to mathematics education within the Faculty of Science. KdVI participates in the national mathematics research clusters GQT, STAR, NDNS+, and DIAMANT, as well as the Quantum Software Consortium. It maintains formal and informal collaborations with the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and partners in the financial sector. In addition, KdVI organises outreach activities such as Leve de Wiskunde, masterclasses, and online web classes. The institute comprises approximately 30 faculty members and 40 postdoctoral researchers and PhD candidates.

You will be working in the research group of Prof. Han Peters.

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

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button. We accept applications until and including 16th of September

If you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• Prof. Han Peters, h.peters@uva.nl T: +31 (0)20 525 8358

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation;
• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.