Postdoctoral fellow in Nanoscale and Quantum Thermodynamic theory - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Mathematical Physics is a common division between the Natural Science and Engineering (LTH) faculties and is part of the Department of Physics. Research is conducted primarily in the field of quantum mechanical many-particle physics, which includes theoretical nuclear structure physics, nanometer physics, quantum information, atomic physics and material modelling, with numerous partnerships both internationally and within Lund University.

Specific subject description
The research will be based on the project “Information-to-work conversion from classical to quantum – a nanoscale electronic demon in double quantum dots”, supported by the Foundational Questions Institute under the call “Information as Fuel”, see https://fqxi.org/grants/large/awardees/view/__details/2019-IAF/samuelsson. The subject is theory for stochastic and quantum thermodynamics in nanoscale systems, with a focus on statistical properties of thermodynamical quantities such as work, heat and entropy production. The emphasis will be on gaining fundamental knowledge about non-equilibrium, few-body dynamics, correlations and fluctuation statistics in nanoscale systems where quantum mechanics plays a key role. Of particular importance will be the analysis of Maxwell demons in quantum dots.

Job assignments
The postdoc is expected to carry out theoretical research on stochastic and quantum thermodynamics in nanoscale systems. A large part of the work will be carried out by employing advanced, analytical methods for a statistical description of thermodynamical and quantum transport properties, such as semi-classical stochastic path integrals, and quantum master equations adapted to full counting statistics of work, heat, and entropy production. The analytical calculations will be complemented with numerical simulations.  An important part of the project will be a close collaboration with the experimental team of V. Maisi at LU, modelling and guiding planned experiments on a quantum dot based Maxwell’s demon. Moreover, collaborations with and/or shorter scientific visits at groups of the other principal investigators C. Jarzynski at University of Maryland, US and K. Ensslin at ETH, Switzerland are anticipated.

Eligibility/Entry Requirements
Eligible to be employed as a postdoctoral student is the one who has completed his/her doctoral degree, or foreign degree, which is deemed to correspond to the doctoral degree, within the subject area of ​​the employment and which was completed no more than three years before the end of the application period. If there are special reasons, the doctoral degree may have been completed earlier.

Very good knowledge in English and familiarity with advanced theoretical methods of statistical physics and quantum mechanics are mandatory. Documented experience on topics as stochastic and quantum thermodynamics, fluctuations and statistics in nanoscale and/or quantum dynamics and out-of-equilibrium properties in quantum transport at the nanoscale are considered as important merits.

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008. 

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.