Research Fellow in Quantum Criticality and Conformal Field Theory

University of Leeds; Leeds; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

42 days annual leave

Generous pension & life assurance

Gym and wellbeing

Staff development courses

On-site childcare

Shopping discounts

Travel schemes

Job summary

The University of Leeds invites applications for a research position focusing on lattice gauge theories, non-equilibrium physics, and numerical simulations of quantum many-body systems. The project explores conformal field theories in 2+1 dimensions and numerical methods based on the fuzzy sphere, including exact diagonalisation and matrix product states.

The successful candidate will work with Prof. Zlatko Papic in a collaborative, research-intensive environment, with access to courses and a

Job description

Do you have a background in lattice gauge theories, non-equilibrium physics or numerical simulations of quantum many-body systems? Would you like to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities?

The project will involve the development of new theoretical and computational approaches for quantum critical phenomena using the recent approach known as the "fuzzy sphere". The focus areas of the project include conformal field theories in 2+1 dimension and their numerical simulations using the noncommutative geometry of the fuzzy sphere (in particular, via exact diagonalisation, matrix product state and neural quantum state methods). Some of our recent papers relevant to the position include:

• https://arxiv.org/abs/2411.15299
• https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.22539
• https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.08036
• https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.25054
• https://arxiv.org/abs/2608.07655

What We Offer In Return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) - That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance- the University contributes 14.5% of salary
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Zlatko Papic, Professor in Theoretical Physics

https://theory.leeds.ac.uk/zlatko-papic/

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]