Contact: application[AT]gravity.fau.deLocation: Erlangen, Germany
In autumn 2014, at least one postdoctoral position in the field of quantum physics of the gravitational field, in particular quantum gravity and quantum cosmology, will be available at the Institute for Quantum Gravity (IQG) (Theoretical Physics III) of the Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany. The position is for two years with a possibility of extension for one additional year, depending on funding. In exceptional cases, a five year contract may be negotiable. Salaries depend on seniority and follow the collective wage agreement for scientific employees in Germany (TVOeD).
The successful candidate will be part of the new international centre for quantum gravity at the FAU which just completed its building up phase. The centre currently hosts 5 professors, 2 postdocs plus guests, fellows, PhD and diploma/master students. Altogether, there is space for up to 30 scientists. Current staff includes professors Kristina Giesel, Hanno Sahlmann, Frederic Schuller (Interim professor), Michael Thies and Thomas Thiemann (Chair), Emeriti Frieder Lenz (former chair) and Hartmut Hofmann, postdocs Daniele Pranzetti and Derek Wise as well as 7 Phd and 4 master students. Former institute member and Humboldt Fellow Jonathan Engle recently accepted a tenure track assistant professor position at Florida Atlantic University and holds an affiliate position. Another affiliate professor position is held by Florian Girelli.
The Institute for Quantum Gravity (IQG) is part of the Erlangen Centre for Astroparticle Physics (ECAP) which has a strong expertise in experimental astroparticle physics. The IQG benefits from continuous exchange with the excellency cluster ‘Universe’ in Munich, especially with the groups working on (quantum) cosmology. The IQG fosters strong links with the Department of Mathematics in Erlangen. The University of Erlangen has identified the collaboration between the IQG, the chair for statistical physics and the chair for algebra and representation theory as one of its prestigious ’emerging field projects’ which is generously supported. Finally, the IQG is in close contact with a network of international research centers focussing on quantum gravity such as the Albert Einstein Institute in Potsdam, Germany; the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos in State College, Pennsylvania, USA; Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Institute for Theoretical Physics in Marseille, France; Institute for Theoretical Physics in Warsaw, Poland.
Applicants must have a PhD in either physics or mathematics and should have prior research experience in general relativity and quantum field theory and a strong interest in working on aspects of non perturbative and background independent quantum gravity. The following list of material should be uploaded in one pdf- or zip file, whose name should include your lastname, using the application form at
http://www.gravity.physik.fau.de/opportunities/jobs/jobs.shtml
1. Curriculum vitae.
2. Research proposal including a summary of previous work and plans for future projects.
3. Teaching experience (if applicable).
4. List of seminars and conferences attended, detailing talks given (if applicable).
5. List of publications.
6. In addition we ask for three letters of recommendation, which should also be uploaded before the deadline via the application form by the referees.
Recommendation letters sent by email will not be accepted. Referees are kindly asked to use the following format for their message text: Recommendation letter for FIRSTNAME AND LASTNAME OF THE APPLICANT.
Applications will be reviewed starting November 15th, 2013 but later applications will be considered until the position is filled. The starting date of the position is normally Oct. 1st 2014 but there is some flexibility.
For further information about the University and the Institute please visit:
http://www.uni-erlangen.de/einrichtungen/fakultaeten/nat/departments.shtml
and
http://www.gravity.physik.fau.de.
For further information about the position please send an inquiry to application[AT]gravity.fau.de.