Postdoctoral Fellow in Theoretical Quantum and Gravitational Physics

The Department of Physics is one of the biggest departments within the Faculty of Science and supports a broad range of basic research in experimental and theoretical physics. It has about 250 employees of which 95 are PhD students. Many have been internationally recruited. The Department is part of the AlbaNova University Center, which apart from the Department of Physics houses the Department of Astronomy, the Physics Departments at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), and the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics (Nordita). More information about us, please visit: www.su.se/department-of-physics/.

The Department of Physics and Stockholm University is affiliated to Stockholm Dual Career Network (SDCN) that supports expat partners with professional events, career-related advice and by building a social network in their new hometown. www.sdcn.se.

Project description

The position will be associated with Dr Magdalena Zych’s research grant focused on quantum aspects of spacetime and their quantum optical analogues, from the Swedish Research Council. Dr Zych is looking for an Postdoctoral Fellow candidate to join her group at the Stockholm University, currently including two Postdoctors and 4 PhD students. The research of the group in general lies at the intersection of quantum theory and general relativity.

In this project specifically we will aim to advance models of quantum fields in non-classical spacetimes described through quantum boundary conditions or non-classical dispersion relations and explore indirect ways such spacetime non-classicality can be revealed through observations on the fields or via quantum systems coupled to fields which reside in the spacetime.

Main responsibilities

The position involves research in collaboration with Dr Zych and PhD or master students in the group. The candide will be furthermore expected to participate and co-organise group activities such as seminars and journal clubs, participate and present at scientific meetings, as well as contribute to organisation of conferences/workshops held locally.

Particular research focus for this position is developing theoretical description of quantum fields with quantum-controlled dispersion relations or boundary conditions, findig mapping between the physics of such fields and the physics of quantum fields in non-classical spacetimes, and developing proposals for accessing signatures of non-classicality eg via measurements on matter interacting with the fields.

Qualification requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills. For this position, working knowledge of quantum field theory and quantum mechanics is required, and prior research experience in the topics relevant to the project is particularly desirable, for example, past research on quantum field theory in curved spacetime, or quantum information aspects of quantum fields (such as exploring entanglement or other types of correlations in quantum field theory and their extraction or quantification through quantum information methods).

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date 2026-08-01 or as per agreement.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

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

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Dr. Magdalena Zych, phone: +46 8 5537 8627, magdalena.zych@fysik.su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.