phd student in string theory, quantum field theory and cosmology - Student at KU Leuven, Dept. Phys. Astron.

The Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITP) at the University of Leuven is a large theoretical physics institute which currently comprises about 40 researchers at all levels and with a broad expertise in many branches of theoretical physics. We are housed in the Department of Physics on the Science campus just outside the city of Leuven. The ITP runs a prestigious Theoretical Physics Master Program and a PhD program, which is embedded into the Arenberg Graduate School of Sciences of the University of Leuven. There are numerous seminars, journal clubs and regular colloquia. In addition the Institute has close ties with the International Solvay Institutes for Physics in nearby Brussels and is also part of European research networks such as HoloGrav.

The Institute has recently won several prestigious National and European research grants, and we are happy to invite applications for PhD positions. The ITP is seeking exceptionally talented and ambitious PhD candidates in Theoretical Physics. The preferred starting date of the appointment is September 1st, 2018.

The research programs that form the main source of activity within the Institute for Theoretical Physics are: theoretical high-energy physics including cosmology, complex systems, and mathematical physics. We seek PhD candidates with an interest in theoretical high-energy physics. Within the high-energy physics program, the Institute pursues a broad range of research directions, which include holography, string theory, supergravity, quantum field theory, cosmology and gravitational waves. Successful applicants will be expected to complete a PhD in one (or several) of these areas within four years. They may also have a limited amount of teaching duties.
 

Application procedure

Interested candidates should submit their application by email to our secretary Anneleen Marcelis: Anneleen.Marcelis@fys.kuleuven.be . The application package should include your CV, your grades from the bachelor and master program, a letter of motivation which includes a brief description of your research interest (maximum one page), a three-page essay on a topic of your choice within theoretical high-energy physics and the names and contact details of at least two professors (one of whom should be your master thesis supervisor) who are willing to write a letter of support for you.

Additional information

For more information on the Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Leuven, please visit our website: http://fys.kuleuven.be/itf or more specific http://fys.kuleuven.be/itf/groups/hep/.

Deadline for applications

Applications will be accepted until March 1st, 2018. A shortlist will be made no later than April 1st, 2018.