Two PhD Researcher (R1) Positions in Quantum Many-Body Physics – EUCENTRAL Project, CTP PAS, Warsaw

Center for Theoretical Physics PAS; Poland; On-site; PLN 45,000 - 50,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Multisport card subsidy

Holiday subsidy

Bonuses possible

Job summary

The Center for Theoretical Physics PAS in Warsaw, Poland, invites applications for two part-time Research Assistant – PhD student positions (R1), 20 h/week. The role runs for 12 months from 01.01.2027, in-person at the institute.

Applicants will work on numerical methods for open quantum many-body systems, including quantum trajectories, within the Modelling Center for Quantum Technologies. Collaboration with the ERA Chair group at University College London is planned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Physics or a related field; degree conferred or in progress with documentation.
• Strong background in quantum statistical mechanics and many-body theory.
• Programming skills and experience with numerical computations.
• Excellent written and oral communication, able to work independently and in a team.
• Familiarity with open quantum systems is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Work on numerical methods for quantum open many-body systems related to the project.
• Develop and integrate quantum trajectory methods for multimode ultracold gases.
• Collaborate with researchers at CT P PAS and partner group at UCL.

Skills

Quantum statistics

Quantum many-body

Programming

Communication

Teamwork

Open quantum systems

GitHub

Education

Master Degree or equivalent

PhD or equivalent

Tools

Tensor networks

Exact diagonalization

GitHub

Job description

Organisation/Company Center for Theoretical Physics PAS Research Field Physics » Other Physics » Quantum mechanics All Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 30 Nov 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Warsaw) Country Poland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Hours Per Week 20 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe (other) Reference Number MSz/32/2026 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Research assistant (PhD student)
- R1 researcher (f/m/x) - part-time

Location : Warsaw, Poland

Salary : 4 000 - 4500 PLN/month gross (depending on the candidate’s qualifications and experience)

Number of positions available: 2 (0.5 FTE each)

Work Arrangement : In-Person

The role is available from 01.01.2027at the earliest for a period of 12 months, half-time position.

• Candidates will be informed about the results by mid December.

Founding Source :

EUCENTRAL: CENTER FOR QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES MODELLING - [HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-TALENTS-01-01] — [ERA Chair] project financed by the European Commission (agreement no.: 101186579).

The Center for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CTP PAS) is a research institute focused on the study of theoretical physics. The CTP is located in Warsaw, Poland, and was founded in 1980.

The CTP PAS conducts research in various fields of physics, including quantum information, space and gravity research, semiconductors, and atomic gases. The Institute's strategy is to employ the strongest scientists, giving them the freedom to conduct their research. This has resulted in the CTP's high standing in Poland, world-class publications (in Nature and Science), a large number of grants (approximately 30 projects), and participation in international consortia. In terms of citations per researcher, CTP PASranks among the leading institutions in Polish physics.

The CTP PAS also hosts a number of scientific events, including seminars, workshops, and conferences, which are open to the public. The Institute also creates educational content accessible on its official YouTube channel.

About the role

We are seeking two research assistants - PhD students (f/m/x), who will join the Modelling Center for Quantum Technologies group at the CTP PAS, led by Dr. Federico Balducci (Team Leader). The group will collaborate closely with the group of prof. Marzena Szymańska (ERA Chair Holder) at University College London.

The candidates (2 half-time positions) will work on numerical methods for quantum open many-body systems related to the project, such as the quantum trajectory method for multimode ultracold gas with particle losses. These methods are already being developed at CTP PAS, but they are not broadly accessible yet, and need to be integrated with other repositories.

If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, please contact [e-mail] .

Requirements

Research Field Physics » Quantum mechanics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field Physics » Other Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

About you

Essential qualifications, experience and knowledge

Master’s degree in Physics, or a related fieldconfirmed by a diploma or a certificate issued by the educational institution; candidates who have not yet formally obtained the degree may also apply, provided they submit documentation confirming the current stage of the degree-awarding process and obtain the degree before the start of employment.

Essential skills and abilities

Strong background in quantum statistical mechanics and quantum many-body theory, including soluble models.

Programming skills and experience with numerical computations.

Excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable qualifications, experience and knowledge

Experience with open quantum systems, e.g. master equations and/or quantum stochastic calculus - like truncated Wigner, positive P. Familiarity with numerical tools for many-body quantum systems (e.g. exact diagonalization, tensor networks).

Desirable skills and abilities

Experience with version control and collaborative coding (GitHub).

Specific Requirements

Required documents :

• The scientific CV, including the progress in the university studies, scientific achievements (publications, participation in research projects and conferences), with the clause "I agree to the processing of my personal data contained in the application documents for the purposes necessary for the implementation of the process recruitment by Center for Theoretical Physics PAS".
• A copy of the Master’s degree diploma or an official certificate issued by the relevant higher education institution confirming the award of a Master’s degree. In the case of candidates who have not yet obtained their Master’s degree by the application deadline, a document issued by the relevant higher education institution confirming the current stage of the process leading to the award of the degree (e.g. a scheduled date for the Master’s thesis defence) must be submitted. Employment is conditional upon providing a document confirming the award of the Master’s degree no later than before the employment start date.
• Additional copies of documents confirming scientific or professional achievements (optional).
• At least one letter of recommendation from a researcher with at least a PhD degree, concerning the candidate and his/her current scientific activity.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Physics » Quantum mechanicsPhysics » Other Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

What we offer

• Salary: ca 4 000 - 4500 PLN (gross) per month (depending on the candidate’s qualifications and experience); additionally, the employee may be entitled to bonuses, awards, or other components of remuneration in accordance with the Remuneration Regulations in force at the Institute. The remuneration is determined and paid in accordance with the Remuneration Regulations in force at the Institute.
• A scientifically stimulating research environment,
• A friendly and flexible work environment,
• Sharing knowledge and experience,
• A diverse and inclusive culture where mutual support, team work and respect are highly valued,
• Multisport card subsidy,
• Holiday subsidy