Doctoral student in physics with a focus on quantum information theory and the foundations of quantum mechanics

Description of the workplace

The PhD position is within the Quantum Information Theory group led by Armin Tavakoli. The group includes both PhD students and postdoctoral PhD students. The group conducts theoretical research broadly within quantum information and the foundations of quantum physics and has frequent collaborations with international experimental groups. The group belongs to the division of Mathematical Physics where between 30 and 40 people work with theoretical research in many different branches of quantum physics, such as many-particle systems, open systems, nuclear physics, cold atoms and ultrafast optics.

Being a doctoral student

As a doctoral student, you are both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University.

As a doctoral student, you will be trained in a scientific approach. In short, you will be trained to think critically and analytically, to solve problems independently using the right methods, and to develop an awareness of research ethics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work on projects, to develop your leadership and pedagogical skills. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by supervisors. Doctoral studies end with a thesis and a doctoral degree.

More about being a doctoral student at the Faculty of Science at naturvetenskap.se Doctoral studies | Faculty of Science

Subject and project description

• Allmän studieplan för forskarutbildning

Work duties

You will primarily devote yourself to your doctoral education, which mainly consists of writing a doctoral thesis. Quantum information theory is the basis for both a fundamental understanding of quantum mechanics and its technological applications. You will work broadly within this subject with a particular focus on high-dimensional quantum systems. Your doctoral education will be fully funded. You are expected to participate in research projects, work both in groups and individually, attend seminars and conferences and complete doctoral courses. You are expected to demonstrate forward-thinking, initiative and high ambition for research.

In addition to studies, a maximum of 20% of working time may be spent on teaching and other departmental work. You are expected to serve in the role of laboratory supervisor and/or exercise supervisor in selected physics.

Qualifications

To be eligible for admission and employment as a doctoral student, you must fulfil the requirements below.

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• 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 the applicant has:

• completed an independent work (e.g. degree project) in a relevant subject comprising at least 30 higher education credits.

The special qualification may also have been obtained through other equivalent education, which is assessed on a case-by-case basis. In order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and significant in-depth studies in certain areas, qualifications other than the applicant's subject-specific competence in physics may be taken into account.

Additional requirements

In order to complete the doctoral programme in question, the following are also required:

• good ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• good written and oral communication skills
• good ability to cooperate
• very good knowledge of English, spoken and written

Selection criteria

The selection of eligible applicants will be made taking into account the ability to benefit from the training based on the following criteria:

• courses and thesis project in theoretical physics with a focus on quantum information theory as well as analytical and numerical methods for optimization are considered beneficial.
• good ability to take initiative, structured work and perseverance, as well as a demonstrated forward-thinking attitude.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.

More about working at Lund University on lu.se. https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-lund-university

About the employment

The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting autumn 2026 or as otherwise agreed. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. In the case of teaching and other departmental duties, the employment is extended accordingly. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

More about terms of employment for doctoral students on Lund University’s Staffpages. https://www.staff.lu.se/research-and-education/research-support/doctoral-education/terms-employment-doctoral-students

Other

Applications will be reviewed by a recruitment committee. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview in May.

How to apply

The application should be written in English and you must attach to your application:

• CV and personal letter with a justification of why you are interested in the training place/employment and in what way the research project matches your interests and your educational background.
•  Copies of issued study certificates and/or diplomas. These should prove your basic and special eligibility for the doctoral education subject and show that you have the subject knowledge required for the doctoral education project.
• Other information that you wish to refer to (copies of grades, information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

We welcome your application!