PhD Position in the Semantics of Homotopy Type Theory

The Institute for Logic Language and Computation (ILLC) at the University of Amsterdam is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in the NWO project Simplicial type theory lead by dr. Benno van den Berg.

Join our research team!

Do you have the technical skills and the passion for science to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of mathematics and computer science We are looking for a PhD candidate for the research project Simplicial Type Theory.

What are you going to do

A key step in the development of homotopy type theory was the construction by Voevodsky of a model of this theory in simplicial sets. The purpose of this project is to develop a constructive account of this model based on the theory of effective Kan fibrations a notion developed and investigated in collaboration with Eric Faber and others. Using this we will develop a new simplicial type theory.

Your profile

• MSc degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as Mathematics Logic or Theoretical Computer Science
• Familiarity with category theory
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Please note that knowledge of the Dutch language is not required for these positions. However PhD candidates at the ILLC have the opportunity to attend Dutch language classes if they wish.

Our offer

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 starting date is flexible but is preferably around January 2026. 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 3059 to 3881 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 83% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD Candidate is applicable. A favourable tax agreement the 30% ruling may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management handling stress and an online learning platform with 100 different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when youre moving from abroad.

In addition

• A stimulating interdisciplinary environment with access to experts in logic and related fields
• Opportunities to present at top conferences and publish in high-impact venues
• A vibrant and international research community in the heart of Amsterdam

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits take a lookhere.

Where you will work

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8000 as well as 1800 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.

TheInstitute for Logic Language and Computation is home to a thriving community of scholars including philosophers logicians mathematicians computer scientists linguists musicologists and cognitive scientists who share a fascination with the interdisciplinary study of information. At the ILLC we combine the problem solving skills from the sciences with the holistic and reflective view of the humanities to discover the principles that regulate information processing and find answers to some of the hardest challenges of our time.

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 apply button. We accept applications until and including 27 September 2025.

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

• CV (max 2 pages)
• Motivation letter (max 1 page)
• Academic transcripts
• Names and contact information of two academic referees

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details:national knowledge security guidelines).Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be interviews will be held in the course of October/November 2025.

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

• dr. Benno van den Berg