Project description:

Open quantum systems describe the interaction between a quantum system with its environment. It is known that desired quantum properties, such as entanglement, are typically suppressed by decoherence such that their applicabilities for practical implications become limited. Hence, a goal is to minimize the influence of decoherence. However, the problem is of fundamental interest on its own, not only for future quantum technological applications, but for providing a deeper understanding of these processes. In this project, the goal is not per se to find methods that minimize losses, but instead to understand the physics behind the interplay between different sub-systems, whether it is a system and its environment, or two sub-systems.

Open quantum systems do not evolve unitarily, which have important consequences, for example in the understanding of how chaos and thermalization can emerge on a microscopic scale. Furthermore, the lack of unitarity opens up for new possibilities. One such direction is to consider open quantum systems in order to describe, or simulate, models from classical physics. Typically these will be lattice models with unbalanced hopping between the sites. Another topic of the PhD project concerns gauge invariance in these models. It is known that effective models that derive from truncations of the Hilbert space may not be gauge invariance. How this comes about for open systems will be explored, and further if it is possible to pick an ”optimal” gauge when considering Hilbert space truncation.

We seek a self-motivated candidate who is fluent in English. Since the project is analytical and most likely will also include some programming, good skills in theoretical physics, mathematics, and programming is a clear merit.

Education at the research level:
A PhD education at Stockholm University is four years (48 months). The 4-year PhD program includes at least 3 years of research and at most one year of course work. The position may be extended by up to one year if up to 20 % teaching assistance or administration is included in the contract. The PhD student is employed (“doktorandanställning”) during the studies, with a monthly salary starting at SEK 28 000.

Qualification requirements:
An applicant who has completed a second-cycle (master's) degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits (4 years of studies), of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere, meets the general entry requirements.

In order to be accepted as a PhD student in Physics or Theoretical Physics a BSc in Physics (or equivalent) is required. The studies must include 60 credits of second-cycle courses in physics out of which at least 15 credits correspond to a second-cycle degree project. The degree project does not have to have been examined at the application deadline, but work corresponding to half a semester of full-time studies should have been devoted to it. For the subject Chemical Physics courses in chemistry may replace the required physics courses.

Terms of employment:
Only a person who will be or has already been admitted to a third-cycle programme may be appointed to a doctoral studentship.

The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year. The employment may be extended for a maximum of two years at a time. However, the total period of employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time study.

Doctoral students should primarily devote themselves to their own education, but may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Please note that admission decisions cannot be appealed.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact:
For more information, please contact Professor Jonas Larson, Jonas.Larson@fysik.su.se, or Professor Michael Odelius, studierektorfu@fysik.su.se.

Application:
Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Please include the following information with your application

-Your contact details and personal data
-Your highest degree
-Your language skills
- Contact details for 2–3 references
Important: Your academic referees should send us recommendation letters no later than November 4, 2022, via e-mail to: FV-3667-22.refletters@fysik.su.se and state in the subject line: SU FV-3667-22 + name of the applicant.

and, in addition, please include the following documents:

Cover letter describing among other things:
– why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
– what makes you suitable for the project in question
CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of degree projects/theses
Degree certificates and grades confirming that you meet the general and specific entry requirements (no more than 6 files)
Degree projects/theses (no more than 6 files).

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.