Doctoral student in Physics towards Theory for Quantum Technology in Nanosystems - 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 theory and material modelling, with numerous partnerships both internationally and within Lund University.

The Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT) is a 10-year initiative aimed to bring Swedish academia and industry to the forefront of Quantum Technology (QT). The four pillars of QT are: Quantum Computing, Quantum Simulation, Quantum Communication and Quantum Sensing. The centre is funded mainly by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundations with additional contributions from the participating universities and industry.

Work duties
Project description: In the second quantum revolution, now unfolding worldwide, quantum mechanical superposition and entanglement are being created, characterized and controlled with unprecedented precision in a wide variety of physical systems. This development has deepened our understanding of the physical laws governing the microscopic world and provided a broader framework for technology, with fundamentally new capabilities. The defining aim of Quantum Technology is to harness superposition and entanglement for radical improvements, in terms of capacity, sensitivity and speed, of applications in a broad range of areas such as information processing, material science and electronics.

This project is about quantum sensing, one of the key areas within Quantum Technology, based on non-classical microwaves. The doctoral student will theoretically analyze the non-classical properties of propagating microwaves, created by electrical transport through a nanometer-sized quantum dot system embedded in a microwave resonator. In addition, possible fundamental experiments for quantum sensing based on non-classical microwaves will be proposed and analyzed theoretically.

Expected tasks: The work will mainly consist of analytical calculations but numerical simulations will also be carried out. The various theoretical tools will include density matrix theory, the input-output formulation of scattering theory and path integral formulations of statistic properties of transported microwaves and electrons. The project will be carried out in close collaboration and discussion with V. Maisi's group at LU, where related experiments are carried out. We also anticipate collaboration with other Lund WACQT and NanoLund groups as well as with G. Johansson's theory group at Chalmers, where related expertise exists. There will be considerable scope for the doctoral student to influence both the design of the projects and the degree of analytical vs. numerical work, based on the doctoral student's ability and interest. As a PhD student within WACQT you will also be part of the WACQT PhD school, including joint courses and summer/winter schools together with PhD students from other universities in the centre.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third-cycle studies in Physics if he or she has:

• passed an independent project (e.g. degree project) of at least 30 credits in a relevant subject

Equivalent knowledge acquired through corresponding programmes will be assessed individually. In order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and important specialisations in certain areas, students with qualifications in subjects other than Physics may be considered for admission.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Other assessment criteria

• A strong merit is both courses and a bachelor/master thesis in theoretical physics, with focus on quantum mechanics, statistical physics and solid state theory.
• Good programming skills in Python or similar is considered a merit.

Basis of assessment
Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of the study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills
4. Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications may be written in English or Swedish and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Applicants are required to answer the job specific questions in the first step of the application process.

The English version of this announcement is an interpretation of national formalities expressed in the Swedish text. In case of uncertainties, the Swedish text applies.