Job description

The Sentef lab „Theoretical Solid State Physics / Light-Matter Control of Quantum Materials (LMCQM)“ (https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/lmcqm) has a focus on theoretical and numerical methods for light-matter control of quantum materials. We use first-principles-derived quantum many-body models to investigate the properties of quantum materials interacting with tailored laser pulses and cavity quantum electrodynamical environments and study their emergent functionalities on ultrafast femtosecond time scales. A specific research focus is on the prediction of light-engineered properties (topology, superconductivity) and their fingerprints in pump-probe experiments. To this end, we closely collaborate with experimental groups.

The applicant (f/m/d) will be part of a team with many national and international collaborations. Opportunities for further qualifications, also abroad, will be supported upon request. An active participation in the group discussions and at the Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITP) and the Bremen Center for Computational Materials Science (BCCMS) on current research topics are required. Prior knowledge in theoretical solid state physics and quantum many-body theory is expected. Basic familiarity and hands-on experience with numerical modelling and at least one programming language (Python, C/C++, Fortran, or similar) are also expected. Experience with high-performance computing and parallelization (MPI) is a plus as well as experience using GPU resources.

Main tasks:

• Planning and doing research in a subject related to cavity control of quantum materials
• Participation in ongoing research discussions and group meetings at the Sentef lab

Within the ERC Consolidator Grant Project CAVMAT („Cavity quantum materials“), we seek one postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d). The applicant will specifically work on adopting modern machine-learning-inspired techniques based on neural network variational wavefunctions in conjunction with matrix product states and/or large-scale exact diagonalization to investigate the interplay of electronic correlations and cavity light-matter interactions in quantum materials. The goal of the project is to inspire new experiments to achieve excited states by design in quantum materials.

Details of the project will be discussed between the advisor and the applicant (f/m/d).

Requirements

• A completed scientific university degree (Uni diploma/Master’s degree) as well as a scientific degree equivalent to a PhD/Dr.rer.nat.
• Excellent written and oral English skills
• Presentation skills
• High degree of independent working skills as well as capability for team work
• Motivation to work at the frontier of theoretical solid state physics
• Motivation to further develop theoretical concepts and numerical techniques
• Prior experience in writing independent simulation codes
• Prior experience in writing scientific publications for international peer-reviewed journals
• A plus: Prior experience writing grant applications

General Information

Open to unconventional approaches in research and teaching, the University of Bremen has retained its character as a place of short distances for people and ideas since it was founded 50 years ago. With a broad range of subjects, we combine exceptional performance with great potential for innovation. As an ambitious research university, we stand for the research-based learning approaches and a pronounced interdisciplinary orientation. We actively pursue scientific cooperation worldwide in a spirit of partnership.

Today, around 23,000 people learn, teach, research and work on our international campus. In research and teaching, administration and operations, we are firmly committed to the goals of sustainability, climate justice and climate neutrality. Our Bremen spirit is expressed in the courage to try new things, in supportive cooperation and in respect and appreciation for one another. With our study and research profile and as part of the European YUFE network, we assume social responsibility in the region, in Europe and the world.

The University of Bremen is family-friendly, diverse and sees itself as an international university. We therefore welcome all applicants regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The University of Bremen strives to increase the number of women in science and strongly encourages applications from suitably qualified female candidates.

Disabled people will be given priority if their professional and personal qualifications are essentially the same.

Contact:

Please send your application with the usual documents (cover letter, CV and copy of your degree certificates including high school) either by e-mail as a PDF file by unencrypted electronic mail to: sfarleyprotect me ?!itp.uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de by July 22. 2024 under the reference number A230-24,

or by post to:

University of Bremen / FB1

NW1, Institute for Theoretical Physics

Prof. Dr. Michael Sentef

Otto-Hahn-Allee 1

28359 Bremen

Germany

For scientific queries, please contact Prof. Michael Sentef, sentefprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de.

Please only send us copies of your application documents (no folders) as we cannot return them. They will be destroyed after the selection process has been completed.

Any costs incurred for the application cannot be reimbursed.