ANR BOOSTERCritical bootstrap percolation: scaling universality
About
BOOSTER is an ANR JCJC project funded under AAPG 2026 for the period 1 January 2027 - 31 December 2031. The project studies bootstrap percolation and its interactions with other topics such as kinetically constrained models, the stochastic Ising model, etc. The main focus is on critical models (in the sense of the universality theory on the lattice by Balister, Bollobás, Duminil-Copin, Morris, Smith and Uzzell) and their infection time scaling. We aim to generalise the scope of the locality method of Hartarsky and Teixeira, to clarify the critical-to-subcritical interface beyond lattices and to transfer such knowledge to related settings and models.
Members
Postdoctoral researcher opening
Scope
The team of ANR BOOSTER is seeking to hire a postdoctoral researcher to work primarily on the topics of the project, at the intersection of probability, combinatorics and statistical physics. Profiles from any of these fields will be considered, as long as there is willingness to interact with the others. Candidates working in discrete probability (particularly interacting particle systems or random combinatorial structures) or probabilistic combinatorics are the best fit for the position. Prior experience with bootstrap percolation is not required.
Setting
The probability sub-group at Lyon 1 University features 14 active permanent professors/researchers (among about 120 across all of mathematics), who also regularly interact with the slightly smaller probability group at ENS Lyon. The weekly Lyon probability seminar is among the largest in Europe. The close proximity to Grenoble and Geneva and fast links to Paris and Marseille facilitate further collaborations (all of them are reachable in 2 hours by train).
Specifications
- The applicant must hold a PhD or equivalent or be in their final year and expected to graduate before starting the position.
- The duration is 2 to 3 years with flexible starting date, ideally around September 2027.
- The salary is as fixed by the CNRS salary grid, currently, 3100-3500€/month for candidates with less than 2 years of full-time mathematics research experience after PhD and 4300€/month for those with more than 2 years of experience. The above amounts are gross, approximate and non-negotiable. France has an extensive health and social security coverage.
- The position comes with no teaching duties, but teaching (in French) is possible if desired.
- The postdoctoral researcher will spend most of the contract's duration working in Lyon 1 University with the coordinator of the project, but will be encouraged to spend an extended amount of time (e.g. a year) at one of the other members' institutions (in Vienna, Marseille, Strasbourg or Groningen) towards the end of the contract duration.
- No knowledge of French is required, although some knowledge would certainly improve the postdoctoral researcher's quality of personal life.
- All candidates are welcome to apply regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc., as well as possible handicaps.
Application procedure
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The initial application file should be sent to hartarsky+booster[at]math.univ-lyon1.fr. The only mandatory document is a pdf CV (no restriction on the format or length). If you think that some important information is not visible from your CV, you may also include an additional optional document (free format) pointing such information out. Motivation letters, research statements, etc. are not required. The candidates should also arrange for two recommendation letters to be sent directly to the above address by their authors. All documents can be submitted in English or French, but English is preferred.
- The deadline for applications and recommendation letters is 16 October 2026.
- Interviews will be held online in November.
- Results will be communicated by the end of 2026.
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact Ivailo Hartarsky at hartarsky+booster[at]math.univ-lyon1.fr.
Events
- Kick-off meeting (TBD, late 2027, Lyon)