PhD Position in the Semantics of Homotopy Type Theory

PhD Position in the Semantics of Homotopy Type Theory

Working at the UvA

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.

Working at the UvA

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.

All about this vacancy

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 € 3,059 to € 3,881 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% 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 you’re 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 look here.

All about this vacancy

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 € 3,059 to € 3,881 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% 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 you’re 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 look here.

Your place at the UvA

Where you will work

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 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.

The Institute 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.

More about the UvA

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

Where you will work

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 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.

The Institute 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.

More about the UvA

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Important to know

Your application & contact

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 in one 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 considered. The 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

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

Important to know

Your application & contact

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 in one 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 considered. The 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

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

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