Postdoc in Probability Theory

Job description

The Postdoc position is in the area of probability theory and statistical mechanics. The project is a NWO funded "open competition project" which deals with the study of metastability for dilute spin systems. These are classical models of statistical mechanics with bond disorder, i.e. where deterministic pair interactions are replaced by random variables. The main objective is to develop a robust mathematical approach to study the metastable behaviour of these models. Metastability is a universal phenomenon, where a system spends a long time in a state of "pseudo equilibrium" until it crosses over to a stable state. This project aims at identifying the quantities characterising the stochastic nature of this phenomenon, such as the average and the distribution of the random transition time.  

Job requiements

The successful applicant will have:

• Completed a PhD in the area of stochastic processes prior or very close to the start date,

• A profound knowledge of probability and mathematical physics\statistical mechanics,

• Eagerness to explore complex mathematical challenges,

• English proficiency both written and spoken,

• Demonstrated the ability to conduct world-class research both independently and collaboratively.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) 

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. 

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration. 

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science 

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. 

Conditions of employment 

• Duration of contract is 2 years Temporary
• A job of 36-40 hours per week. 
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP. 
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year. 
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages. 
• Flexible working week. 
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget. 
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses. 
• Partially paid parental leave 
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program. 

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  . 

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Elena Pulvirenti, via e.pulvirenti@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 17 October 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter (max. 2 pages)

• The candidate's PhD thesis or a draft of it. If available online, a link is sufficient.

• Papers that you have submitted/published. If available online, a link is sufficient.

   

You can address your application to Elena Pulvirenti.

You will be contacted by Elena Pulvirenti for an interview if you are among the leading candidates, in which case more specific information will be provided.  

 
Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.