PhD Position in Theoretical Physics

Application deadline: 26 July 2024 at 23:59 hours local Danish time.
Centre for Quantum Mathematics (QM) at Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (IMADA), University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applications for a 3-year PhD position with a PhD project in Applications of Generalized Symmetries to Quantum Matter. Targeted starting date for the position is 1 October, 2024.
Application deadline: 26 July 2024 at 23:59 hours local Danish time.
We are not permitted to directly contact your academic references under any circumstances, so please ensure their letters have reached us by the deadline.
The application requirements are detailed at the end of this advertisement.

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.

Candidate Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate within the field(s) of theoretical physics with a specialization 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.

The successful candidates will be expected to have:

• MSc degree in mathematical physics or theoretical physics – to be obtained before 1 October 2024 (equivalent to a Danish master's degree)
• Excellent writing and oral skills in English and ability to work independently.

Research environment
The PhD project will be funded by a grant from the Villum foundation and carried out within the Centre for Quantum Mathematics (QM). QM is located at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Natural Sciences on the international campus of University of Southern Denmark in Odense, Denmark. QM is established with the ambition to create a highly international and interdisciplinary group within a broad spectrum of pure mathematics and mathematical physics. Odense is a fast-growing international community with an open Scandinavian culture, affordable housing and living costs.
For more information on the QM Centre, please visit https://www.sdu.dk/en/qm.

Letters of recommendation should be submitted directly to [email protected] mentioning your name and the title of the position in the subject line. Please note that these need to reach us before the deadline.
Contact information: Further information is available from the Head of the Centre, Professor Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen ([email protected]).

Further information about The Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary and taxation.

The successful candidate will be enrolled at this university in accordance with faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Program at the Universities (PhD order).

Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Application must be in English and made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:

• A research proposal/description of your approach to the above project (max one page excluding references).
• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation, and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) (please attach this under box “Application form”).
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information.
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades.
• At least two signed reference letters. Should your referees wish to send their letters directly to us, please have them use e-mail: [email protected]) mentioning your name and the title of the position in the subject line. And please note that these also need to reach us before deadline.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Shortlisted applicants will be assessed by an assessment committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the Faculty. As part of the overall assessment, the applicant may be called for interview.
Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

Applications should be sent electronically via the link "Apply now". The faculty expects applicants to read the information "How to apply" before applying. Please note that the application documents should be in pdf-format and attached as three documents: motivation letter, CV and the remaining documents.

We recommend that as an international applicant you take the time to visit Work in Denmark where you will find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as the International Staff Office at SDU.

Placering: Odense, Denmark