ERC PhD Position in Low-Dimensional Topology and Knot Theory (m/f/x) - Bochum
Dein Job
Faculty of Mathematics :
Low Dimensional Topology
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (29,8725 hours/week = 75%) as of 1 April (to be agreed upon), we are looking for a
ERC PhD Position in Low-Dimensional Topology and Knot Theory (m/f/x)
Our research group works in low-dimensional topology and knot theory. We are interested in link homology theories, such as Heegaard Floer and Khovanov homology, and their application to open topological problems. Our work is supported by an individual research grant (project number 505125645) from the German Research Foundation (DFG) and a Starting Grant (project number 101115822) from the European Research Council (ERC). Ruhr University Bochum is one of Germany’s largest universities, with a mathematics department that maintains a strong research focus, particularly in geometry and topology. The department is home to the Floer Centre of Geometry, a hub for collaboration with other German mathematical research centres, many of which are located nearby.
Your tasks:
- Conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the supervision of the PI of the ERC Starting Grant, "Cut-and-paste Conjectures and Multicurves", through which the position is funded.
- Publish high-quality papers in peer-reviewed journals.
- Disseminate research through talks at international workshops and conferences.
- Organize and actively participate in research group seminars.
- Contribute to fostering a collegial, inclusive, and respectful working environment where everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
Dein Profil
Your profile:
- (Essential) Excellent Bachelor's Degree
- (Essential) Excellent Master's Degree (or be close to submission)
- (Essential) Good communication skills in either English or German.
- (Desirable, but not essential) Master thesis in topology, geometry, or algebra.
- (Desirable, but not essential) Working knowledge of a programming language (e.g., Python, C, C++).
We offer:
- Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr
- Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team
- A job in the heart of the lively Ruhr metropolitan region with its diverse cultural offerings
Benefits: Ample travel funding and no teaching responsibilities
Other incentives (standard German work benefits): Comprehensive health insurance and social security benefits, generous vacation policies, and a strong work-life balance
Further information, in particular a detailed list of the documents to be submitted, can be found here:
https://math.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/fakultaet/arbeitsbereiche/topologie/gruppe-zibrowius/hiring/
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade TV-L 13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/ (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.
The weekly working hours (75% part-time) are based on the usual requirements for PhD positions, as described here: https://www.dfg.de/formulare/55_02/55_02_de.pdf
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Prof. Dr. Claudius Zibrowius - claudius.zibrowius@rub.de
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-01-19. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5214.
Deine Benefits
Stellenmerkmale
Dein Beschäftigungsumfang
Teilzeit (befristet)
Dein Gehalt
Nach Vereinbarung
Dein Arbeitsplatz:
vor Ort
Dein Büro:
Raum Bochum