PhD scholarships in Fundamentals of the Universe

Scholarships

We offer 9 full scholarships for PhD projects within our research theme Fundamentals of the Universe. The aim of this theme is to study the fundamental forces of Nature and their implications for the formation of the Universe from its origin to how we observe it today. The theme connects research across all length scales by using the striking similarities in physics from the Planck scale (quantum gravity) via sub-atomic scales (particle physics) to cosmic dimensions (cosmology and astrophysics). Pivotal to the approach is the use and development of advanced instrumentation and mathematics, because they are the essential tools we have to probe and describe Nature. To this end the Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute and the Van Swinderen Institute for Particle Physics and Gravity have joined forces to play a leading role in this exciting topic as a united research activity and to educate a new generation of students to perform research in this new interdisciplinary field.

We are looking for talented students who wish to design their own PhD research project on a topic within the scope of the research theme Fundamentals of the Universe. You can find the list of topics and associated supervisors here:
https://www.rug.nl/research/fse/themes/supervisors/fundamentals-of-the-universe-research-topics.pdf

As a PhD scholarship student, you will develop your own research project in consultation with the associated supervisor(s). You will conduct independent and original scientific research, report results via peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and ultimately a PhD thesis. The PhD thesis has to be completed within four years. Being part of a cutting-edge research programme, you will receive training in the form of hands-on instruction, advanced courses, summer/winter schools, as well as complementary workshops on generic research and transferable skills. Special attention is paid to training activities directed towards your future (academic or non-academic) career after the PhD trajectory, in the context of our Career Perspective Series.

Qualifications

We are looking for highly motivated, proactive and diligent researchers with good communication skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team. Demonstrable command of the English language is a prerequisite. Successful candidates have completed a Master’s degree (or equivalent) that is relevant to the topic of interest.

Organisation

The University of Groningen is a comprehensive research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen, City of Talent. Quality has been our top priority for over four hundred years, and with success: the University is currently in or around the top 100 on several influential ranking lists.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) is the largest faculty within the University. We offer first-rate education and research in a wide range of science and engineering areas, including astronomy, mathematics and physics. Our community has an open and informal character with students and staff from around the world.

Conditions

The position is offered within the UG PhD Scholarship Programme. This programme is issued by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW) within the framework of the national PhD Scholarship Programme. PhD scholarship students receive a scholarship (stipend) of € 2,181 per month (gross) from the University of Groningen for a period of four years. PhD scholarship students are not employed by the university. PhD scholarship students have therefore different rights, obligations, and a different income than employed PhD candidates. Please read the terms and conditions of the PhD Scholarship Programme on the following website:
https://www.rug.nl/education/phd-programmes/phd-scholarship-programme/conditions-application/

Application Process

The selection procedure will proceed in three stages:
1. Application (before April 1)
2. Development of a full research proposal (April 1 – April 29)
3. Assessment by selection committee (April 29 – June 1)

To apply, please follow the details of the application process at https://www.rug.nl/education/phd-programmes/phd-scholarship-programme/phd-scholarships?details=00347-02S0007L1P