项目介绍

2026年2月2日

The ITP at the University of Leuven is a large theoretical physics Institute which currently comprises about 40 researchers at all levels and with a broad expertise in many branches of theoretical physics, including high-energy physics, complex systems, and mathematical physics. The high-energy physics group at the Institute pursues a broad range of research directions covering holography, string theory, supergravity, quantum field theory, cosmology and gravitational waves.

We are housed in the Department of Physics and Astronomy on the Science campus just outside the city of Leuven. The ITP runs a prestigious Theoretical Physics Master Program and a PhD program, which is embedded into the Arenberg Doctoral School of the University of Leuven. There are numerous seminars, journal clubs and regular colloquia. In addition the Institute has close ties, including joint seminars, with the International Solvay Institutes for Physics in nearby Brussels and with research groups in the Netherlands.

Website van de eenheid

Project

We have two vacancies for PhD positions, one supervised by Prof. Thomas Van Riet and one by Prof. Thomas Hertog.

Profile

We invite applications from PhD candidates with an interest in theoretical high-energy physics, including string theory and theoretical cosmology.

Offer

The preferred start date of the appointment is 1st September 2026 and the PhD has to be completed in four years. PhD students at KU Leuven have a limited amount of teaching duties and receive a generous remuneration package.
Application procedure: your application should include 

• your CV
• your (available) grades from your bachelors and masters programme
• a motivational letter which includes a brief description of your research interest 
• 1 recommendation letter

Make sure to upload all of the above (can be in 1 single pdf file)

Interested?

For more information please contact Mrs. Anneleen Marcelis, mail: anneleen.marcelis@kuleuven.be.You can apply for this job no later than February 20, 2026 via the online application tool

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.