Postdoctoral position in Few- and Many-Body Quantum Physics

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 Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. The research team on ultra-cold quantum gases is presently expanding in personnel and the new postdoc position shall further strengthen ongoing activities in the ab-initio description of ultra-cold atom systems. We are committed to promoting career development, diversity, and gender equality through networking and supporting activities. 

Subject description

The research work sets focus on the theoretical understanding of ultra-cold atomic quantum gases from the few- to the many-atom regime, with particular emphasis on the further development of microscopic descriptions in the frame of exact diagonalization methods (configuration interaction approach) and coupled clusters theory. 

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. 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 your work will be the further development of new theoretical concepts for the numerical as well as analytical description of ultra-cold atom systems, with emphasis on numerically “exact” microscopic approaches. A main aim of the planned research work is the further development of microscopic exact diagonalization methods, also in the time domain,  and the method of coupled clusters to describe larger systems.  This requests the previous experience with some of the most advanced methods in quantum many-particle physics, as they are described in the qualification requirements below, and also requests previous experience with programming languages such as C++, Python, CUDA. 

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 collaboratively 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, 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 many-body quantum physics.
• The extent of experience with programming in languages such as C++, Pyhton and CUDA, and in general with 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. 

Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University 

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years, with possible prolongation up to one year. 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 documentation of publications with a description of your role in those. You may add other documents to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.) 

Welcome to apply!