PhD fellowship in Theoretical Physics

PhD Project in Applications of Generalized Symmetries to Quantum Matter

Niels Bohr Institute

Physics Department
Faculty of SCIENCE

University of Copenhagen

The condensed matter theory section at the Niels Bohr Institute invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Condensed Matter Theory.

Start date is (expected to be) 1 September 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project:

Symmetry plays a fundamental role in quantum physics. Recent years have seen a paradigm shift in the understanding of global symmetries. This has unravelled new vastly generalized symmetries symmetries. Despite rapid progress, this is very much an evolving subject and both the general theory and its applications to quantum matter host many unresolved questions. The goal of this project is to advance the theory of global categorical symmetries and explore their implications for the phase diagrams of quantum matter. Key objectives include refining the classification of phases of matter using such symmetries, investigating their potential to stabilize fragile quantum states, and exploring whether the corresponding (topological) symmetry operators can encode robust quantum information

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of theoretical physics with a specialisation in condensed matter theory. Applicants can have a background from advanced many body quantum mechanics and graduate level quantum field theory. Some background in mathematics, particularly topology and category theory is beneficial but not mandatory.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

The PhD project will be funded by a grant from the Villum foundation and carried out within the Niels Bohr International Academy at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen. The group is a part of the Niels Bohr institute, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment.

Principal supervisor is Professor Poul Henrik Damgaard

Superviser is Assistant. Prof. Apoorv Tiwari, [email protected]

The PhD programme A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme  (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.

Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. many body quantum physics or theoretical physics. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database .

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

The terms of employment and salary are in accordance to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision

• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in theoretical physics
• Good language skills

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Application and Assessment Procedure

 Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include: 

Motivated letter of application (max. one page)

Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position

Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.

Publikation list (if possible)

Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is March, 8th 2024.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 18 and 19.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the supervisor Apoorv Tiwari.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/ .

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position. 

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.