Postdoctoral Researcher in Condensed Matter Theory

Postdoctoral Researcher in Condensed Matter Theory

University of Jyväskylä

Jyväskylä, Finland

The project will investigate the interplay of topology, dissipation, and driving in engineered quantum systems. Topics of interest include non-equilibrium and Floquet topology - such as topological properties of density matrices and/or Liouvillians - as well as non-Hermitian effects and nonreciprocity in systems ranging from Josephson junctions to optomechanical platforms. The theoretical framework will involve open quantum systems described by Lindblad and/or Keldysh formalisms, complemented by numerical approaches based on exact diagonalization and/or tensor networks. Additional directions include the study of multi-terminal Josephson junctions and Andreev bound states with finite lifetimes, along with potential links to quantum thermodynamics and driven-dissipative quantum heat machines. The project is funded by the Finnish Quantum Flagship.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work as part of the Condensed Matter Theory/Quantum Simulation Theory groups conducting basic research that advances our understanding of quantum engineered materials and their use in quantum simulation. Tero Heikkilä leads a new Research Council of Finland Center of Excellence in Quantum materials (2026-2033) and his group is an active member of the JoGate EU project, Finnish Quantum Flagship, and the SuperC and Simons collaborations on superconductivity.
• Develop and apply theoretical and/or computational methods for open quantum systems, including quantum master equations (e.g. Lindblad) and Keldysh formalism to driven-dissipative systems, exact diagonalization, and tensor-network techniques, to study non-equilibrium dynamics, non-Hermitian effects, and emergent topological phenomena.
• When needed, use the outstanding computational facilities accessible to the group: either the University of Jyväskylä cluster, or the computational infrastructure and services of the national scientific computing centre CSC.
• Present research and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely fashion.

Who we are looking for

Qualification requirements for the position:

• A doctoral degree in physics or a related field and a thesis written on a theoretical topic.
• Good basis in condensed matter physics, quantum physics and statistical mechanics, including their formal tools. Knowledge of either of the following is considered an asset:
  • Quantum master equations and numerical techniques to solve them.
  • Keldysh field theory and/or quasiclassical Green’s functions.
  • Exact diagonalization.
  • Tensor network methods (e.g. MPS, PEPS).
  • Theory of topological insulators and superconductors.
• A high proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• You are expected to learn to communicate your results by writing manuscripts and giving presentations at international conferences.
• We strongly value and encourage applications from women and underrepresented groups in STEM.