Research Assistant / PhD Candidate – R1 researcher in open many-body quantum systems
The Center for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CTP PAS) invites applications for two Research Assistant / PhD Candidate positions in the Modelling Center for Quantum Technologies group led by Dr. Federico Balducci in Warsaw, Poland.
The positions are part of the EUCENTRAL project “CENTER FOR QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES MODELLING” funded by the European Commission under the HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-TALENTS-01-01 – ERA Chair programme.
The group will collaborate closely with the group of Prof. Marzena Szymańska (ERA Chair Holder) at University College London.
It is planned that the successful candidates will apply for the PhD degree in an external mode based on the scientific results obtained during the project. One position will be supervised by Dr. Federico Balducci, and the second one will be supervised jointly by Prof. Marzena Szymańska and Dr. Federico Balducci.
Topics include open many-body quantum systems, quantum statistical mechanics, many-body theory, computational modelling, quantum technologies, and theoretical and numerical tools for open quantum systems.
💰 Salary: PLN 8,000–8,900 gross/month, depending on qualifications and experience
📍 Location: Warsaw, Poland
🕒 Duration: 36 months, starting from 1 October 2026, subject to performance evaluation after 1 year
📅 Application deadline: 30 June 2026
👥 Number of positions: 2
🔎 Reference number: Msz/10/2026
We are looking for candidates with a Master’s degree in physics or a related field. A strong background in quantum statistical mechanics and many-body theory is required, together with programming skills and experience in numerical computations.
Experience with open quantum systems, for example master equations and/or quantum stochastic calculus, would be an advantage. Alternatively, experience with quantum optimal control, quantum information theory, exact diagonalization, tensor networks, version control, or collaborative coding tools such as GitHub would also be valuable.
The main responsibilities will include carrying out original research on many-body open quantum systems by developing theoretical and computational tools, attending international conferences and schools, and maintaining open-source code libraries.
Full details and application instructions:
👉 https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/435620
Please include the reference number Msz/10/2026 in the subject line of your application email.
Applications should be sent to: recruitment@cft.edu.pl
For scientific or recruitment-related enquiries, please contact Dr. Federico Balducci: fbalducci@pks.mpg.de
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