Research Scientist — Mathematical & Theoretical Physics
⚲ Amsterdam
About the Role
We are looking for a Research Scientist to help develop a research program at the intersection of mathematical physics, discrete mathematics, topology, and computational methods.
We investigate whether complex physical structures and processes can be described through simpler discrete mathematical objects and the relationships between them. You will work with an existing body of theoretical material, examining its mathematical foundations, developing proofs, and investigating its connections to established physics.
Your initial focus will be on making the theory precise: refining definitions, identifying assumptions, checking arguments, and turning promising ideas into rigorous results. You will use AI and computational tools throughout the research process, with independent verification of their outputs.
You will work on
Study the existing theoretical framework and relevant literature, identifying connections to established mathematical and physical models.
Develop precise definitions and formulate conjectures, lemmas, and theorems.
Review arguments, identify gaps, construct proofs, and investigate counterexamples and limitations.
Explore discrete, topological, and geometric constructions and their possible physical interpretations.
Collaborate on computational experiments and independently check the reproducibility of results.
Contribute to formal verification in Lean where appropriate.
Prepare clear research manuscripts and develop results toward scientific publication.
About the Team
You will join a small research team at 42 working on the mathematical foundations of physical models. We combine theoretical investigation with computational experiments, formal methods, and AI-assisted research.
You might thrive in this role if you have
A strong background in mathematics, mathematical physics, or theoretical physics with substantial mathematical depth.
Research experience covering literature review, problem formulation, hypothesis testing, and the communication of results.
Experience constructing mathematical proofs and working with definitions, lemmas, and theorems.
Depth in one or more relevant areas, such as algebraic or combinatorial topology, graph theory, discrete geometry, simplicial complexes, homology, spectral theory, or geometric methods in physics.
The ability to learn an unfamiliar theoretical framework and assess its assumptions and internal consistency.
An interest in using AI to accelerate research while independently checking mathematical and scientific claims.
The ability to work independently and communicate complex ideas clearly within a small team.
A PhD is preferred. We also welcome researchers with comparable experience and strong late-stage PhD candidates.
Experience with Lean 4, mathlib, or other proof assistants is a plus, as is familiarity with Python, SageMath, Mathematica, or computer-assisted proofs.
Research Scientist — Mathematical & Theoretical Physics
⚲ Amsterdam
About the Role
We are looking for a Research Scientist to help develop a research program at the intersection of mathematical physics, discrete mathematics, topology, and computational methods.
We investigate whether complex physical structures and processes can be described through simpler discrete mathematical objects and the relationships between them. You will work with an existing body of theoretical material, examining its mathematical foundations, developing proofs, and investigating its connections to established physics.
Your initial focus will be on making the theory precise: refining definitions, identifying assumptions, checking arguments, and turning promising ideas into rigorous results. You will use AI and computational tools throughout the research process, with independent verification of their outputs.
You will work on
Study the existing theoretical framework and relevant literature, identifying connections to established mathematical and physical models.
Develop precise definitions and formulate conjectures, lemmas, and theorems.
Review arguments, identify gaps, construct proofs, and investigate counterexamples and limitations.
Explore discrete, topological, and geometric constructions and their possible physical interpretations.
Collaborate on computational experiments and independently check the reproducibility of results.
Contribute to formal verification in Lean where appropriate.
Prepare clear research manuscripts and develop results toward scientific publication.
About the Team
You will join a small research team at 42 working on the mathematical foundations of physical models. We combine theoretical investigation with computational experiments, formal methods, and AI-assisted research.
You might thrive in this role if you have
A strong background in mathematics, mathematical physics, or theoretical physics with substantial mathematical depth.
Research experience covering literature review, problem formulation, hypothesis testing, and the communication of results.
Experience constructing mathematical proofs and working with definitions, lemmas, and theorems.
Depth in one or more relevant areas, such as algebraic or combinatorial topology, graph theory, discrete geometry, simplicial complexes, homology, spectral theory, or geometric methods in physics.
The ability to learn an unfamiliar theoretical framework and assess its assumptions and internal consistency.
An interest in using AI to accelerate research while independently checking mathematical and scientific claims.
The ability to work independently and communicate complex ideas clearly within a small team.
A PhD is preferred. We also welcome researchers with comparable experience and strong late-stage PhD candidates.
Experience with Lean 4, mathlib, or other proof assistants is a plus, as is familiarity with Python, SageMath, Mathematica, or computer-assisted proofs.
Research Scientist — Mathematical & Theoretical Physics
⚲ Amsterdam
About the Role
We are looking for a Research Scientist to help develop a research program at the intersection of mathematical physics, discrete mathematics, topology, and computational methods.
We investigate whether complex physical structures and processes can be described through simpler discrete mathematical objects and the relationships between them. You will work with an existing body of theoretical material, examining its mathematical foundations, developing proofs, and investigating its connections to established physics.
Your initial focus will be on making the theory precise: refining definitions, identifying assumptions, checking arguments, and turning promising ideas into rigorous results. You will use AI and computational tools throughout the research process, with independent verification of their outputs.
You will work on
Study the existing theoretical framework and relevant literature, identifying connections to established mathematical and physical models.
Develop precise definitions and formulate conjectures, lemmas, and theorems.
Review arguments, identify gaps, construct proofs, and investigate counterexamples and limitations.
Explore discrete, topological, and geometric constructions and their possible physical interpretations.
Collaborate on computational experiments and independently check the reproducibility of results.
Contribute to formal verification in Lean where appropriate.
Prepare clear research manuscripts and develop results toward scientific publication.
About the Team
You will join a small research team at 42 working on the mathematical foundations of physical models. We combine theoretical investigation with computational experiments, formal methods, and AI-assisted research.
You might thrive in this role if you have
A strong background in mathematics, mathematical physics, or theoretical physics with substantial mathematical depth.
Research experience covering literature review, problem formulation, hypothesis testing, and the communication of results.
Experience constructing mathematical proofs and working with definitions, lemmas, and theorems.
Depth in one or more relevant areas, such as algebraic or combinatorial topology, graph theory, discrete geometry, simplicial complexes, homology, spectral theory, or geometric methods in physics.
The ability to learn an unfamiliar theoretical framework and assess its assumptions and internal consistency.
An interest in using AI to accelerate research while independently checking mathematical and scientific claims.
The ability to work independently and communicate complex ideas clearly within a small team.
A PhD is preferred. We also welcome researchers with comparable experience and strong late-stage PhD candidates.
Experience with Lean 4, mathlib, or other proof assistants is a plus, as is familiarity with Python, SageMath, Mathematica, or computer-assisted proofs.

