Doctoral student in computational physics of many-particle quantum systems

Description of the workplace 

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 modeling, with numerous partnerships both internationally and within Lund University.

The main direction of work of the research team where this position is located is the quantum theory and in particular the computational physics and modelling of ultra-cold atomic quantum gases. National and international collaboration will be a natural part of the work in the team, including regular on-site visits to our collaboration partners in Sweden and abroad. 

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 LTH on lth.se. 

Subject and project description 

This PhD project sets focus on investigating, describing, and modelling phenomena and properties of ultra-cold atomic and molecular quantum gases and liquids that can be described in the framework of many-body quantum physics, theoretical as well as computational. You are expected to work in the field of theoretical many-particle quantum physics with emphasis on numerical methodology. Focus is on the development of new computational frameworks to describe the properties of ultra-cold atomic and molecular quantum systems with polar interactions, with strong focus on the development of the multiconfigurational time-dependent Hartree approach for bosons and fermions, and on developing new methodology to describe collective excitations in systems with stronger interactions. The work will imply both analytical developments and numerical implementations and simulations. 

Work duties 

You will primarily devote yourself to your doctoral programme, which includes participation in research projects as well as third cycle courses, seminars and conferences.

In this PhD project you will visit our collaboration partners, nationally and internationally, for common work on the research projects. The project sets focus on investigating, describing, and modelling phenomena and properties of ultra-cold atomic and molecular quantum gases and liquids that can be described in the framework of many-body quantum physics. You are expected to work in the field of theoretical many-particle quantum physics. The theoretical work will focus on the theoretical modelling and understanding of new quantum-optical systems of ultracold polar molecules. The work will imply both analytical calculations and numerical simulations.

The work duties include contributing to:

• developing, implementing and optimizing a multi-configuration-based time-dependent Hartree description of bosonic and fermionic many-particle quantum systems.
• modeling work in collaboration with experiment.
• publications on research results obtained in the project.
• transfer of knowledge of HPC and code work in the group and taking care of code maintenance and organizational issues concerning data safety and storage.
• The tasks may also include participation in teaching and other departmental work (however, max. 20% of the working time).

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:

• at least 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject, of which at least 15 credits shall comprise a second-cycle degree project, or
• an MSc in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or associated field.

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

• courses and master's thesis in theoretical physics.
• prior work in many-particle quantum mechanics.
• excellent knowledge and previous experience in HPC and proven competence in c++ and GPU computing.
• good ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• good written and oral communication skills.
• good ability to cooperate and be able to work in a team.
• very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.

Other qualifications 
For the doctoral programme in question, the following are considered as other qualifications:

• previous experience with the MCTDH method (multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree) for bosons and fermions.
• solid knowledge of many-particle quantum physics.

We offer

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

In the research group that you will join you will have the opportunity for intense national and international collaboration including research visits and conference participation.

More about working at Lund University on lu.se. 

About the employment

The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting as soon as possible or as 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. 

Other

Interviews will be conducted and the applicants may expect to have to deliver proof of ability in programming.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include:

• CV and a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the doctoral programme/employment and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background.
• Copies of issued study certificates and/or awarded degree certificates. These must confirm that you meet the general and specific admission requirements for the doctoral programme and show that you have the subject knowledge required for the doctoral programme project.
• Other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.)

We welcome your application.