Postdoctoral position in theoretical quantum optics and optomechanics

About the position
The Department of Physics at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics (FMF) at the University of Ljubljana is located in the beautiful city of Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia (www.slovenia.info/en). The faculty has it roots in 1919 and has since then established research in a number of fields (www.fmf.uni-lj.si/en/research). You will be working in collaboration with the research groups of Rainer Kaltenbaek (experiments) and Marko Toroš (theory) in the fields of quantum optics and levitated optomechanics.

The goal of project
The project aims to explore phenomenology at the interface of quantum mechanics and non-inertial motion accessible to table-top experimental setups. The first goal is to develop the theoretical description of quantum systems in non-inertial reference frames and to identify its distinguishing features (e.g., classical versus quantum systems, limits of quantum sensing, etc). The second, more ambitious goal, is to then come up with experimentally feasible schemes to test such effects in the laboratory (e.g., creation and verification of interference, entanglement, etc.).

Qualification and essential expertise
(E1) PhD in Physics or area related to quantum physics with a strong theoretical background.
(E2) Demonstrable expertise in quantum optics, optomechanics, or a close adjacent field.
(E3) Basic expertise with numerical tools and numerical modeling.
(E4) Interest in quantum foundations and state-of-the-art experiments.

Desired Expertise
(D1) Experience or willingness to work in synergy with experimentalists .
(D2) Knowledge of levitated optomechanics and matter-wave interferometry.
(D3) Knowledge about quantum field theory in curved spacetime and relativity.
(D4) Experience in undertaking independent research and to deliver quality outputs.
(D5) Track record of publication and presentation commensurate with early career stage.

Application process
The initial offer is for 2 years with the possibility of extending the contract, and it could start at the earliest convenience of the applicant. To apply, please send a cover letter detailing your fit for the advertised role, your CV with the list of publications, and a list of three potential referees to: rainer.kaltenbaek@fmf.uni-lj.si and marko.toros@fmf.uni-lj.si.

Application deadline: 16:00 CET 10/02/2025.