Julian Schwinger Foundation Ph.D positions on Rydberg atomtronics

Two Phd positions on the control of quantum correlations and phase coherence in systems of cold Rydberg atoms are available. They will form the core activity of the research grant ‘Rydberg atomtronics’, recently funded by the Julian Schwinger Foundation, coordinated by Luigi Amico and Oliver Morsch.

The project will be investigating Rydberg atoms as a platform to develop atomtronic circuits with specific operating conditions and performances both to explore basic science and applications to quantum technology. The research activity will be carried out in tight collaboration between the theoretical group led by Prof. Luigi Amico in Catania and the experimental group of Prof. Oliver Morsch in Pisa.

The positions are of duration of 3 years. The successful candidates are expected to commence their PhD in the fall 2022.
The two positions will be handled by Universities of Catania and Pisa separately.

Theoretical position @ University of Catania.
The candidate should have a solid background in Quantum Mechanics, and a good knowledge of many-body physics at the master level. Expertise on theoretical aspects of cold atom physics will be appreciated. The candidate will be required to arrange a short presentation of a research project and submit a motivation letter. The PhD will be awarded by the University of Catania. Some coursework will be required in the first year of the PhD. Part of the research project will be carried out in the Quantum Physics division of the Quantum Research Centre, Technology Innovation Institute, Abu Dhabi (https://www.tii.ae/quantum).
The position is reserved to students with a master degree graduated in non-Italian universities. Please follow the instructions detailed in the call https://www.unict.it/it/bandi/dottorati-di-ricerca/2022-2023/dottorati-r.... The strict deadline to apply is 3rd August 2022.

Experimental position @ CNR-INO & University of Pisa.
We are planning to upgrade our existing rubidium Rydberg setup with a dipole trap array (using a micro-mirror device) and high-resolution imaging, which the PhD candidate will help to design and build. On that setup, we will then study excitation transport in different geometries, also using engineered dissipation.
Ideal background: Master's degree in physics; some lab experience in quantum optics / cold atoms
Employment will be with the CNR (National Research Council), whereas the PhD will be awarded by the University of Pisa. Some coursework will be required in the first year of the PhD. The position in Pisa will be officially announced in the next few weeks, within the official channels of the institution.

Interested candidates are suggested the earliest as possible to contact Prof. Luigi Amico (luigi,amico@tii.ae) and Prof. Oliver Morsch (oliver.morsch@df.unipi.it).