Teaser Text

The Mathematical Institute is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the VIDI project From Ideals to Quantum Spaces, working with Francesca Arici.

What you will do

Applications are invited for a three-year postdoc the Mathematical Institute of the University of Leiden, as part of Francesca Arici’s VIDI project “From Ideals to Quantum Spaces: The noncommutative geometry of bounded symmetric domains”.  

The overarching aim of this project is to achieve a comprehensive understanding of a wide spectrum of quantum spaces known as quantum symmetric domains, central to the framework of noncommutative geometry (NCG).

The proposed research revolves around the following key objectives:

• Study and characterise the structural properties of quantum symmetric domains and related operator algebras in terms of subproduct systems, groupoids, and quantum homogenous spaces. 
• Employ techniques from noncommutative geometry, index theory, KK-theory, and dynamics to construct topological and finer geometric invariants.
• Develop connections between multi-variate operator theory, index theory for Toeplitz operators, and the theory of quadratic algebras.

To achieve these objectives, you will combine the analytical tools from the theory of operator algebras and noncommutative geometry with tools coming from both dynamical systems and from the study of algebraic quantum groups and quadratic algebras.

As a postdoc affiliated to this project, you will conduct research in collaboration with the PI and a PhD student in the group. Additionally, you will have ample time to establish other collaborations and to develop your own research line.

You will be joining an active and growing group around noncommutative geometry and functional analysis, within a larger group in Leiden specializing in Analysis and Dynamical Systems, including experts on topics like positivity, measure theory, ergodic theory, topological dynamics, random matrices.

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 Mathematical Institute.

What you bring

• PhD in mathematics, on a topic related to noncommutative geometry and operator algebras.
• Knowledge and skills relevant to the project, such as noncommutative geometry and index theory, KK-theory, operator algebras, in particular C*-algebras and C*-dynamical systems, multi-variate operator theory.
• A track record of publications and preprints that is commensurate with your experience.
• Excellent communication and organization skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Prior postdoctoral research experience is considered an asset.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct original research in Noncommutative Geometry and Operator Algebras.
• Some mild teaching obligations.
• Organize an international conference on a topic relevant to the research project.
• Disseminate the results of their research to (non-)academic parties through appropriate channels.

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 Application process and working conditions

What we value

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 and previous teaching experience.
• Research statement describing both your past research and your future plans (preferably at most 2 pages);
• 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 up to three people who can be contacted to provide letters of recommendation; no letters are required at this point, the committee may contact referees at a later stage.

Enquiries about the position can be made to Francesca Arici at f.arici@math.leidenuniv.nl.

You can apply until April 2nd, 2026.

To help us get to know each other better, we follow a number of steps in the application procedure. For more information, see Application process and working 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.