Postdoctoral position in the Quantum Many-Body Theory of Ultra-Cold Atoms

Description of the workplace

The position is located at the Division of Mathematical Physics, which is a common division between both the Natural Science and Engineering (LTH) faculty, and it is part of the Department of Physics. Presently, the Division of  Mathematical Physics  hosts five full professors and six lecturers. Research is conducted primarily in the field of quantum mechanical many-particle physics. Specifically, the research areas at the Division include ultra-cold atomic quantum gases, theoretical nuclear structure physics, nanostructure physics, quantum information theory, atomic theory and materials modeling.  The division has numerous collaborations both internationally and within Lund University. The team where this position is located  was recently assosciated with the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT) and is part of the strategic research priority areas of NanoLund as well as Light and Materials at Lund University.

Specifically, the work will be carried out in the cold-atom theory group lead by Prof. Stephanie M. Reimann which belongs to the Engineering faculty (LTH) side at Mathematical Physics.  Synergy effects through our existing collaboration networks provide a strong link between experimental and theoretical work on cold atoms, particularly in dipolar condensates and supersolids, as well as few-fermion systems. 

This position is supported by the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT), which receives funding from Knut & Alice Wallenberg Foundation. WACQT is a 12-year, billion-SEK initiative with the purpose of advancing Swedish academia and industry to the forefront of quantum technology, and to build a Swedish quantum computer. WACQT is committed to promoting career development, diversity, and gender equality through networking and supporting activities.

Subject description

The research work sets focus on a better theoretical understanding of the newly discovered dipolar supersolid phase of matter, and to analyze and exploit future concepts for matter wave interferometry.

Work duties

The main duties involved in this post-doctoral position is to conduct research, with emphasis on the numerical modelling and theoretical analysis of many-body quantum systems. Specifically, the applicant shall perform model simulations on dipolar quantum gases in traps, which will require advanced programming and code development in the leading programming languages, such as C++, Python and CUDA. Analytical work will guide the numerical approaches. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

The postdoctoral fellow is expected to interact with the master students and the PhD students in the research group and contribute to meetings and seminars.

Central for the work will be the further development of new theoretical concepts for the description of ultra-cold atom systems, with emphasis on dipolar quantum gases, from superfluids to supersolids. A main aim of the planned research work is the development of quantum sensing methods based on concepts of matter-wave interferometry.

Work duties include

• Research within the subject area described above
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Actively seeking external research funding when applicable
• Administration in connection with the research work and the maintenance of local computing resources

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional Requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Capability to work in a team as well as independently
• Experience in advanced programming and code development for demanding numerical problems.
• Very good communication skills.
• The subject of the doctorate degree must be in theoretical physics and should be within the field of theoretical many-body quantum physics.
• Experience with some of the state-of-the-art methods in many-body quantum physics, such as numerical configuration interaction and/or coupled clusters, the extended Gross-Pitaevskii approach, Monte-Carlo approaches or, for example, tensor networks. The application material must describe the expertise, its extent and context.

Assessment criteria

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.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• The ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills

Other qualifications:

• Experience in the field of theoretical many-body quantum physics.
• The extent of previous experience with programming in languages such as C++, CUDA, Fortran, Pyhton, Matlab, and general aspects of high-performance computing.

Consideration will also be given to 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.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. We offer work in a dynamical and presently expanding research team in quantum theory, with strong collaborative links to leading experimental groups in the field.

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Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years (financed by WACQT). 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”).

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.) 

Welcome to apply!