Research Associate in Topological Matter/Condensed Matter Theory

Imperial College London; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK research institution is seeking a postdoctoral Research Associate in Topological Matter to engage in research on topological phenomena in condensed matter physics. The role includes supervising students, hosting visitors, and co-organising workshops. Applicants should have a PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics and a strong publication record. The position offers a sector-leading salary and a supportive research environment.

Benefits

39 days off a year

Generous pension schemes

Dedicated funding for travel and equipment

Qualifications

• Track record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience with presenting original research work.
• Practical experience in a broad range of techniques.

Responsibilities

• Supervise PhD and Master students.
• Host visitors and co-organise workshops.
• Cultivate collaborations at national and international levels.

Skills

Research on topological phases of matter

Numerical simulations

Second quantisation

Diagonalisation of Hamiltonian matrices

LaTeX

Education

PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics or related discipline

Job description

Offer Description

We are looking for a postdoctoral Research Associate in Topological Matter to explore topological phenomena in condensed matter physics beyond the confines of electronic band theory. The potential focus areas include interacting quantum materials, driven and open quantum systems, and nonlinear and time-modulated metamaterials.

As part of this position, you will join the Theory of Topological Matter group led by Dr Frank Schindler in the Department of Physics. You will assist with the supervision of PhD and Master students, host visitors, and co‑organise workshops, and you will be an active member of the Matter Community at the Department of Physics, which includes experimental and theoretical scientists across condensed matter, ultracold atoms, and metamaterials.

You will have significant freedom in choosing your own research agenda and cultivating collaborations both on a national and international level. This posting comes with dedicated funding for travel and equipment.

We expect you to have:

• A PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics or related discipline
• A track record of peer‑reviewed publications
• Experience with research on topological phases of matter
• Experience with relevant methods such as second quantisation, diagonalisation of Hamiltonian matrices, numerical simulations, and LaTeX.

What we can offer you:

• An engaging research environment with the space and time needed to carry out your research agenda and collaborate with the group
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world‑leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Sector‑leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Dedicated funding travel and equipment.

Specific Requirements

• Experience: Practical experience within a research environment and publication in relevant and refereed journals.
• Experience: Practical experience in a broad range of techniques from theoretical and computational physics including second quantisation, band theory, and diagonalisation of Hamiltonian matrices.
• Experience: Practical experience with presenting original research work at conferences, workshops, seminar talks, or similar venues.
• Experience: Practical experience with writing numerical simulations in a high‑level computer programming language.
• Knowledge: Knowledge of the basic aspects of topological phases in condensed matter.
• Knowledge: Knowledge of relevant literature in theoretical condensed matter physics.
• Language: English – Good proficiency.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.