Research Associate in modern computational techniques for quantum matter

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university in Vancouver seeks a Research Associate to support its Quantum Matter Institute in developing computational techniques for quantum dynamics. Candidates should have a PhD in Physics and experience in many-body techniques like Tensor networks and QMC. The role involves collaboration, independent research, and contributions to publications and grants. A competitive salary and benefits package are offered.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package

Extended medical and dental

Pension plan

Qualifications

• Track record specializing in modern computational many-body techniques.
• Several years of postdoctoral or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading research projects.

Responsibilities

• Support development of modern computational techniques for quantum systems.
• Collaborate with experimentalists and develop an independent research program.
• Contribute to writing articles for top-tier journals and assist with grant applications.

Skills

modern computational many-body techniques

Tensor networks

QMC

ED

communication skills

mentoring students

Education

PhD in Physics or related area

Job description

Academic Job Category Faculty Non Bargaining Job Title Research Associate in modern computational techniques for quantum matter Department Research | Quantum Matter Institute | Faculty of Science (Andrea Damascelli)

Posting End Date November 15, 2025. Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date March 31, 2027. The expected pay range for this position is 100k - 120k annually.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

The Opportunity

The Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (QMI) at the University of British Columbia is seeking a PhD-level Scientific Research Associate to support its Condensed Matter Theory and Quantum Information groups in development of modern computational techniques for strongly correlated many-body systems and quantum dynamics such as Tensor networks, QMC, Krylov-space methods, and ED.

The successful candidate will thrive in our collegial culture and will bring the following qualifications to the role:

• PhD in Physics, or related subject area.
• Track record specializing in modern computational many-body techniques, including ideally Tensor networks, QMC and ED, as evidenced by a strong publication record.
• Several years (minimum two) of postdoctoral or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading research projects.
• Ability to pursue an independent research program aligned with QMI interests.
• Good communication and collaboration skills.
• Interest and relevant experience in mentoring students.

This Research Associate position will support the Institute's Principal Investigators whose program is focused on Many-body systems and Quantum Information, work collaboratively with QMI Experimentalists, and develop a vigorous independent research program aligned with QMI interests.

The successful candidate will also support the QMI research team by contributing to writing articles for top-tier journals, assisting with grant applications, and mentoring QMI students and postdocs who wish to develop advanced numerical skills.

UBC QMI is a world-leading venture into research of systems and phenomena involving quantum materials, engineered systems and quantum simulators. We believe in the power of collaboration to fuel the search for creative solutions and, in addition to building a strong interdisciplinary team of experimentalists and theorists from physics, chemistry and applied science, have established thriving partnerships with TRIUMF, the Canadian Light Source, the Max Planck Society, and many other world-leading institutions, as well private sector companies including D-Wave, Xanadu, Pasqal, and Photonic.

UBC QMI is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Syilx (Okanagan) Peoples and of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil Waututh) Nations.

Application Process

The closing date for applications is November 16, 2025. Complete applications must be submitted through the Academic Jobs Online (AJO) portal and include the following:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae including a list of publications
• Statement of research interests
• Three letters of reference uploaded directly to the AJO portal by referees

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. UBC offers a competitive benefits package including extended medical, dental, life insurance, and pension plan.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, and members of historically marginalized groups will be given special consideration.

If you have any needs or questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the job application, recruitment and hiring process or for more information and support, please visit UBC’s Center For Workplace Accessibility website or contact the Centre at [e-mail].

The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible work environment for all members of its workforce. Within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an accessible process for all candidates (including but not limited to disabled people). Confidential accommodations are available on request by contacting Jasmine Chipman Koty at [e-mail].