Job Description

Position Details
School of Physics and Astronomy
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary xc2xa341,421.
Grade: 7
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to June 2028
Closing date: 16th March 2025
UK and International travel may be required for this role
Background
Applications are open for a postdoctoral position in the research group led by Dimitri Gangardt at the University of Birmingham. The duration is three years. The group's research is operating in the area of quantum statistical physics with specific focus on non-equilibrium quantum many-body dynamics. Specific topics of interest include dynamics of strongly correlated integrable models, (generalised) hydrodynamics, dynamical quantum phase transitions and quantum information. The ideal candidate has postdoctoral experience and is proficient in non-equilibrium field-theoretic techniques such as Keldysh functional integrals, Feynman diagrams, and non-perturbative methods. Responsibilities include developing theoretical models, collaborating with experimental physicists and publishing in top-tier journals.
Role requirements:

• PhD (or equivalent) in physics with postdoctoral research experience
• Strong record of research in theoretical condensed matter physics, ultracold atoms, along with experience in non-Hermitian physics, topological phenomena, and quantum information, or a closely related field
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate with others

Please attach a CV and contact details for two referees to your application.
The School of Physics and Astronomy is a world-leading physics department, excelling in both research and teaching. It hosts over 130 academic and research staff, around 50 technical and support staff, and over 130 graduate students. Our physics research was recently ranked top in the UK for 4-star-category research by the national Research Excellence Framework 2021 exercise. The 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Professor Mike Kosterlitz and Professor David Thouless jointly for their work into the discoveries of the properties of matter, work which started when they were at Birmingham together. The 2017 Prize was awarded for the detection of gravitational waves, in which Birmingham staff played a key role.
The School is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of an Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School's commitment to promote equality and diversity, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups in Physics and Astronomy including, but not limited to, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Groups.
Role Summary
We seek an individual with a theoretical background and work experience in theoretical treatment of non-equilibrium many-body dynamics primarily in one or more of: ultracold atoms, topological physics, quantum information or condensed matter. The successful candidate will develop the necessary theoretical models and perform computational calculations to explore various scenarios of quantum dynamical behaviour. This project involves a high degree of teamwork and interdisciplinary research, with the possibility of collaborating with experimental groups.
The candidate is expected to work towards objectives of "Quantum Limit Shapes" research grant.
Main Duties
The responsibilities may include some, but not all the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required. Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques, and methods, analyse and interpret data and apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars and conferences
• To assist in supervising students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students and undergraduate project students on research-related work
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to research-related activities and research-related administration within the Theory Group and the School of Physics and Astronomy including attending and participating in group meetings, seminars, and colloquia.
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at conferences, seminars and as posters in UK and abroad
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• Have a PhD (or near to completion) in Physics (Theory), and have professional qualifications and professional experience
• Expertise in one (or more) of the following disciplines: field theory for non-equilibrium dynamics, topological physics, ultracold atoms, quantum many-body systems, quantum information
• Exceptional skills in computational simulations and/or analytical modelling for quantum many-body systems systems
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to interdisciplinary audience
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Dimitri Gangardt, email: d.m.gangardt@bham.ac.uk
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.