项目介绍

2025年4月29日

Job description

We invite applications for a fully-funded 4-year PhD scholarship in the research group Foundations Lab: Clifford Research Group (www.ugent.be/ea/elis/en/research/foundationslab). Under the supervision of Hendrik De Bie and Hennie De Schepper you will work towards obtaining a doctoral degree in mathematics.

The aim of the scholarship is to investigate topics in harmonic analysis, using a combination of both analytic and algebraic methods as we have pioneered in our research group.
In particular we intend to investigate generalized Fourier transforms that have arisen in the context of minimal representations, and the recently uncovered relation with higher step Grushin operators. As main technical tools we intend to use the theory of spherical harmonics, orthogonal polynomials and special functions and Fourier analysis.
We will further tailor the project to fit the specific background and interests of the candidate selected for the scholarship.

The starting date for the scholarship is flexible, but foreseen between September 1, 2025 and December 1, 2025.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Getting acquainted with the necessary background for this project;
• Performing original mathematical research under the guidance of the supervisors Hendrik De Bie and Hennie De Schepper;
• Working together with other PhD students and senior researchers in the research group;
• Reporting and presenting your research in top-tier international journals and conferences;
• Successfully defending a doctoral dissertation at Ghent University;
• Contributing (to a limited extent) to teaching and community engagement activities within the research group and department.

Job profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in Mathematics, Mathematical Physics, or (Engineering) Physics or you will hold such a degree before the foreseen starting date of the scholarship
• You have written a Master’s dissertation, or are currently writing one.
• You have very good to excellent study grades, as evident from university transcripts;
• You have good knowledge of at least one of the following domains of mathematics: harmonic analysis, complex analysis, orthogonal polynomials, or representation theory.
• You have a strong motivation and aptitude to tackle challenging research problems and to complete the PhD within the prescribed four year period;
• You have good interpersonal and team-playing skills;
• You have proficiency in English and excellent writing skills.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which – after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• Your contract will start on September 1, 2025 at the earliest.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

How to apply

Send your application to prof. Hendrik De Bie (hendrik.debie@ugent.be), including: full CV, university transcripts, diploma, master dissertation, motivation letter and the name of one potential person we may contact for a reference letter.