Doctoral Researcher in Quantum Simulation
The Department of Physics is recruiting a motivated Doctoral Researcher for a project on quantum simulation with ultracold atomic systems. The research will be guided by Assistant Professor Paolo Molignini at the Quantum Simulation Theory group at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. The position will start at the earliest on the 2nd of January 2026 or as agreed for a fixed term of 3,5 years.
The Quantum Simulation Theory group of Paolo Molignini, starting in January 2026, explores the physics of quantum many-body systems to push the boundaries of what is computable. The group focuses particularly on long-range and light-mediated interactions, combining theoretical modeling, advanced simulations, and machine learning to study emergent quantum phenomena in platforms such as ultracold atoms, molecules, and photonic devices. Its research develops new frameworks and computational tools to uncover non-equilibrium dynamics, entanglement propagation, and collective behavior in next-generation quantum simulators, bridging condensed matter, computational, and quantum information physics.
Research directions
Quantum simulators are revolutionizing our ability to understand strongly correlated and non-equilibrium physics. They are systems engineered to emulate complex quantum matter that is otherwise difficult or impossible to probe directly – for example with ultracold atoms, molecules, or photonic architectures. This PhD project will contribute to this rapidly evolving field by developing theoretical and computational tools to explore quantum many-body phenomena far beyond the reach of classical methods.
Topics of interest include:
- The development and application of multiconfigurational methods for interacting many-body fermions, with potential applications to dipolar fermions, cavity-mediated fermions, and strongly correlated continuum systems.
- Numerical simulations of ultracold bosonic systems featuring rotation, long-ranged interactions, or sudden quenches – probing phenomena such as supersolidity, the dynamics of quantum vortices, and possible analogies to neutron-star matter.
- Machine-learning-enhanced quantum simulation, including optimization of measurement protocols, regression of observables from single-shot data, and data-driven characterization of complex quantum phases.
These directions lie at the heart of next-generation quantum technologies and offer an ideal environment for a motivated PhD student to acquire cutting-edge expertise at the interface of quantum many-body theory, computational physics, and ultracold-atom experiments.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Work as part of the Quantum Simulation Group conducting basic research that advances our understanding of ultracold long-range interacting and/or cavity-mediated atomic systems and their use in quantum simulation.
- Develop and apply theoretical and/or computational methods for the study of ultracold quantum simulators, including multiconfigurational models, exact diagonalization, lattice-continuum mapping models, and machine learning methods.
- When needed, use the outstanding computational facilities accessible to the group: either the University of Jyväskylä cluster, or the computational infrastructure and services of the national scientific computing centre CSC.
- Present research and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely fashion.
Who we are looking for
Qualification requirements for the position:
- A master degree in physics or a related field.
- Strong knowledge of quantum physics, statistical mechanics, or condensed matter physics, including their formal tools.
- Strong numerical skills and proficiency with at least one of the following programming languages: Python, C++, or Fortran.
- Knowledge of either of the following is considered an asset:
- Variational methods for many-body systems (e.g. MCTDH, DMRG, Quantum Monte Carlo).
- Exact diagonalization for lattice models.
- Tensor network methods (e.g. MPS, PEPS).
- Machine learning models such as Bayesian optimization, neural networks, random forests.
- A high proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- You are expected to learn to communicate your results by writing manuscripts and giving presentations at international conferences.
- We strongly value and encourage applications from women and underrepresented groups in STEM.
The tasks of a Doctoral Researcher focus on research aiming at the completion of a doctoral thesis, doctoral studies, assisting teaching tasks, and other related tasks to these. The duties, qualification requirements, and the language skills of Doctoral Researchers are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines (Doctoral Students). A good command of English is required. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
The eligible candidate has, or is about to obtain, a suitable Master's degree. In addition, the Doctoral Researcher must have a permission for post-graduate studies at the University of Jyväskylä. After selection, the selected person must apply for postgraduate study rights through a separate application procedure from the Faculty of Mathematics and Science.
Benefits
At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. At the University of Jyväskylä, we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish lakeland and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.
The salary for a Doctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 2–4 of the university salary system for teaching and research staff. The starting salary will be approximately 2500 €/month (gross income). With progress of thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Education Employers.
How to apply?
The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format:
- A Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
- A short and free-form motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), including your research interests, career goals and previous experience and merits in relation to the qualifications for this position.
- Relevant degree certificate (highest degree).
Applications should be submitted via the University of Jyväskylä online application form by 31th December, 2025. Applications sent via email are not considered.
For further information, please contact Assistant Professor Paolo Molignini, paolo.s.molignini@jyu.fi.
We offer good working conditions for researchers and promote the principles of HR Excellence in Research, HRS4R. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is based on the values of the European Charter for Researchers & The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter & Code). JYU is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland. JYU has signed the DORA Declaration. By signing the agreement, JYU is committed to complying with the CoARA principles.
Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. All appointment decisions are based on careful consideration within the faculty. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for this position.
Department of Physics
The primary areas of research at the Department of Physics are materials physics, nuclear physics and particle physics. In materials physics, the core research fields are the physics of nanomaterials and thin films, quantum matter and quantum technologies, light-matter interaction and physics and chemistry of nanoparticles. Nuclear physics concentrates on nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure and applied accelerator-based research, and particle physics on the physics of the strong interaction and ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions, particle cosmology and neutrino physics. The department hosts an Academy of Finland Center of Excellence in Quark Matter. Experimental research at the Department is conducted in the Accelerator Laboratory, the multidisciplinary Nanoscience Center (NSC) and in foreign research centers such as CERN and FAIR.
The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centered environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and well-being for all. JYU's naturally beautiful campus is located in the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.
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