Contact: lucas.hackl[AT]unimelb.edu.auLocation: Melbourne, Australia
The Mathematical Quantum Information (MQI) Group, led by Lucas Hackl, at the University of Melbourne will be hiring one or more postdocs with expertise and interest across gravity and quantum information, which includes various directions in quantum gravity, relativistic quantum information and more. The postdoc will become part of the WithOut SpaceTime (WOST) Consortium, funded by the John Templeton Foundation (JTF) and supported by the Center for SpaceTime and the Quantum (CSTQ).
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR:
– You will have completed (or you are near completion of) a PhD degree in physics, mathematics or related discipline. You thrive in collaborative environments and working constructively with colleagues to advance the School’s goals.
– Demonstrated capacity to engage in outstanding research consistent with the strengths and strategic directions of WOST Consortium and the research conducted in the Mathematical Quantum Information Group.
– Experience in at least one (preferably two) of the following topics and clear potential to make connections between them: Quantum Information, Relativistic Quantum Information, Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime, Quantum Gravity, General Relativity, Random Matrix Theory.
– You will have the opportunity to pursue your own research, engage in the research group and collaborate. Areas of interest could include:
Average and typical entanglement entropy for ensembles of quantum states. Hawking radiation, Unruh effect, quantum information in curved spacetime. Quantum information measures in conformal field theories. Symmetry classification of random matrix ensembles and relations to quantum states. Mathematics of bosonic and fermionic Gaussian states and their applications in physics. Quantum reference frames and its interplay with dynamics and quantum information.
– We are equally interested in junior postdocs (shortly after completion of their PhD) or senior postdocs (several years of post PhD experience).
WHAT WE OFFER:
– Cutting-edge research at the intersection of quantum information and gravity.
– Opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration and networking within the WOST Consortium.
– AUD110,319 – AUD118,416 p.a., plus 17% super (retirement pension), and benefits!
– Travel funding available for both domestic and international trips, potential for longer research at other WOST groups.
– Initial duration will be for 2 years with the potential for extension, subject to performance and availability of funding.
– Additional opportunities for independent/competitive funding/fellowships: (a) The University of Melbourne offers 3 year independent postdoc fellowships under the McKenzie Fellowship. (b) The Australian Research Council offers the 3 year Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA). (c) We can also host Feodor Lynen Research Fellows through the Alexander von Humboldt Network, which is open to researchers from the German academic system (German citizens or other nationals integrated in the German academic system).
ABOUT THE GROUP
– Led by Lucas Hackl.
– Current group size: 1 x Postdoc, 3 x primary and several affiliated PhD students, 3 x MSc students, 2 x undergraduate interns
– Part of both, the School of Mathematics and Statistics (Mathematical Physics Group) and the School of Physics (IBM Quantum Network Hub).
– Research interests across quantum information, quantum computing, many body quantum systems, relativistic quantum information and quantum gravity.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
– Depending on personal circumstances, there are different visa options (ranging from 2-4 year visa to permanent residency).
– The total net pay can be estimated using online calculators, such as paycalculator.com.au. Rough estimate of net pay (AFTER TAX): Ca. AUD84,000 p.a. (currently: ca. USD56,000 or EUR48,000) or AUD7,000 per month (currently: ca. USD4,666 or EUR4,000).
– Depending on the visa status, it may be required to buy private health insurance.
– 17% of your gross salary (listed above) will be contributed to a pension account (superannuation fund) of your choice. You are able to choose your preferred superannuation account and how the balance should be invested. The accumulated pension sum can be withdrawn in accordance with the Australian superannuation laws.
HOW TO APPLY:
– Please use the URL below to the WOST Consortium Expression of Interest Webform and submit.
– Please indicate clearly when you are available to start the position.
– Please direct any questions to Lucas Hackl (email listed below).
TIMELINE:
– We expect to start reviewing applications in February, which may take 1-2 months.