The position has been filled as of 27 July 2023 and the call is now closed.

The Chair for Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Physics at the Theoretical Physics Laboratory (CPHT) of Ecole Polytechnique, Paris, is opening a call for a PhD student at the interface between Machine Learning and Classical Quantum Simulation of Many-Body Quantum Systems.

The successful candidate will work on developing innovative numerical techniques such as Neural Network Quantum States to simulate the dynamics of large quantum systems, bridging the world of numerical physics and machine learning. The student will then apply such algorithms to simulate experiments being carried out in nearby laboratories or to advance our understanding of strongly correlated materials. Finally, the student will also be encouraged to contribute to existing open-source projects in order to enhance the visibility of their works.

Experience such as an internship or master thesis on numerical modelling is required, but outstanding candidates with interesting backgrounds might be considered. Prior knowledge of Machine Learning or Variational methods is not required, but considered a plus. A taste for scientific and programming and familiarity with Python or other programming languages is required.

This position is funded by CNRS, therefore carries a slightly higher salary than standard French PhDs. Starting date is between 1st October and 15 December 2023. International students and female applicants are encouraged to apply. The position is for 3 years, with a possible extension. Candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled.

The student will work directly under the supervision of Prof. Filippo Vicentini in a recently created research group with 2 other PhD students and postdoc. The group is inserted in the larger environment of the Condensed Matter unit of the laboratory, which counts prestigious members with important contributions to the field of Condensed matter physics. Filippo Vicentini is recognized as one of the most prominent figures in the nascent field of Neural-Network quantum states, having contributed to the development of several fundamental ideas to describe systems out-of-equilibrium with variational networks, and leading the NetKet open-source collaboration, developing the most widely used software in the field. The group is supported by CNRS and has recently been awarded an ANR Junior Researcher grant, which will guarantee enough money to fund various conferences and schools abroad. The group maintains strong ties with the group of Prof. Giuseppe Carleo in EPFL, and other research groups overseas: a research stay abroad is to be expected in the second year.

Ecole Polytechnique is among the most prestigious engineering schools of France, it is located on the Plateau of Saclay, approximately 30-35 minutes south of Paris by public transport, and it is surrounded by other research laboratories. The group has a permanent visiting agreement with College de France, located in the center of Paris, and often spends time there.

For further informations, please contact Filippo Vicentini at filippo.vicentini[at]polytechnique.edu . To get an idea of the research direction of this PhD, you can look at recent papers Google Scholar

If you are interested, to apply please submit to the email address above:

- A statement of interest (max 1/1.5 pages)
- your CV 
- a grade transcript for your master and bachelor
- the contact details of at least 2 referrals that might be contacted. 
- If it is relevant, you may also link or attach a copy to your master thesis or research work.