As a PhD Candidate, you will develop new analytical theories and methods for complex systems of partial differential equations and apply them to models for marine biofilm growth. Join a stimulating research environment, tackle timely open questions and engage with a vibrant academic community.
The Mathematics Department at Radboud University (Nijmegen, Netherlands) is seeking a PhD candidate with a strong background in the analysis of partial differential equations. The project will be supervised by Dr Stefanie Sonner, is funded by an NWO-M1 project and has a light teaching load (10%).
As a PhD candidate, you will develop analytical theories and methods to investigate systems of reaction diffusion equations with nonlinear diffusion. You will also have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research and apply your theoretical results to contribute to a better understanding of marine biofilms, which play an important role in aquatic ecosystems. You will participate in relevant conferences, workshops and seminars and publish your findings in peer-reviewed journals. This PhD position is funded for four years, and you will be awarded a PhD degree from Radboud University upon successful completion.
Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate.
A PhD track at Radboud University gives you room to follow your own interests and ambitions.
Mustafa Akpinar
PhD candidate at the Behavioural Science Institute and lecturer in Communication Science
Mustafa Akpinar is a PhD candidate at the Behavioural Science Institute and a lecturer in Communication Science.
"While studying at Radboud University, I was already teaching statistics. It started as just a side job, but I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed helping others learn. After graduating, I began working as a lecturer and researcher at a university of applied sciences. Still, that one dream kept nagging at me: pursuing a PhD.
The thing is, most PhD programmes focus heavily on research, and teaching often comes second. I wanted to do both. Then a colleague pointed me to a PhD vacancy where research and teaching were given equal weight. I instantly knew: this is my chance. I really appreciate that Radboud University offers different types of PhD tracks. That way, there's room for a range of ambitions.
Now, I study the relationship between culture and health communication, specifically within Turkish-Dutch communities. I mainly teach statistics and also coordinate a learning project on cultural communication practices. I can bring my own background into my teaching, as I’m a second-generation Turkish-Dutch person myself. What I also value is how Radboud University is becoming increasingly inclusive. For example, there was a lot of attention for Ramadan. We even celebrated Eid with colleagues! Things like that truly make a difference.
I'm also a father, combining work with family life. That takes good planning. Fortunately, at Radboud University, I have the flexibility to shape my work in a way that fits my life. My supervisors trust that I’ll get my work done, even if I have to take my child to swimming lessons in the afternoon. That freedom gives me peace of mind."
Does this sound like you?
You hold, or are working towards, a Master's degree in Mathematics or equivalent (to be completed before the starting date).
You have a strong background in the analysis of partial differential equations, or a very closely related field, and are interested in interdisciplinary research.
You have good verbal and written communication skills.
You are motivated, proactive and willing to learn, and you can work both independently and in a team.
What we offer you
We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).
You will receive a starting salary of €3,059 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,881 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.
Additional employment conditions
Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.
Where you will be working
The Analysis of PDEs is one of the research areas of the Applied Mathematics group of the Mathematics Department at Radboud University. The department covers a broad range of topics in pure and applied mathematics, with strong interdisciplinary links. It has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with a healthy balance between senior and early-career staff from around the world, and a community of more than 20 PhD candidates. The department organises regular research seminars, colloquia and informal events throughout the year. Moreover, researchers in the field of PDEs at Radboud University are part of larger national networks such as the Special Activity Group ’Analysis of PDEs’ and the Dutch mathematics cluster NDNS+, which regularly interact and discuss developments in the field, and jointly organise scientific meetings and events.
Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.
We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.
Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.
Radboud University
At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.
If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University, follow our Instagram account and read stories from our colleagues.
Is this the job for you?
You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Stefanie Sonner. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We look forward to receiving your application.
The first interviews will take place on 26 and 27 February 2026. You will preferably start your employment on 1 May 2026, but no later than 1 September 2026.
We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.
