Theory Group

Location:  Highfield Campus
Salary:   £32,348 to £37,473
Full Time Fixed Term (20 Months)
Closing Date:  Tuesday 29 November 2022
Reference:  1934622WF-R

The High Energy Physics group (SHEP) at the University of Southampton invites applications for a Research Fellow (post-doctoral) position funded by an EPSRC/STFC research grant to work on investigating new quantum algorithms for problems in quantum field theories with future applications to Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD).

The funds for this post are available for twenty months in the first instance. You will work with Dr. Bipasha Chakraborty from the SHEP and also collaborate with Dr. Sergii Strelchuk from the University of Cambridge. 

The first part of the project aims to study the structure of computational problems that arise in the context of lattice QCD and their potential for quantum speedups. The second part of the project will investigate bespoke quantum simulation techniques for quantum field theories with an aim to extend them to QCD.  

This is a collaborative project between Southampton High Energy Physics Group and the CQIF at the University of Cambridge (https://www.cs-qaqft.uk/home). The other research interests of the SHEP include: lattice QCD, physics beyond the standard model, particle physics and cosmology, neutrino physics, b-quark and kaon phenomenology, exact renormalization group, extra-dimensional models of the weak interactions, weak interaction corrections at high energies, twistor methods, holography, strings and branes, and high density QCD. More information is accessible via our website https://www.hep.phys.soton.ac.uk. Relevant research interests of the CQIF group include quantum algorithms, quantum computing and simulation of quantum systems. 

You will have or be soon to complete a PhD* (or equivalent professional qualification and experience) in mathematics/theoretical physics/computer science/computational science, and have research experience in quantum field theories and/or high energy physics and/or quantum computation. Experience in lattice QCD computations or numerical simulations of quantum field theories is desired. You will contribute to the ongoing projects in quantum computation and develop new ones, disseminate results via publications and conference talks, and actively participate in the academic life of the SHEP group, which also includes assisting PhD students. 

You must apply through the online system if you wish to be considered for the position. Please upload a cover letter, a Curriculum Vitae, a list of publications, and a research statement including past research experiences and future research interests (maximum three pages long), and arrange for three letters of reference to be uploaded by your referees on the online system by the application deadline. 

At the University of Southampton, we value diversity and equality. The University recognises that employees may wish to have working patterns that fit with their caring responsibilities or work-life balance. Due consideration will also be given to applicants who have had career breaks for reasons including maternity, paternity or adoption leave, disability or illness. Both the University of Southampton and Physics & Astronomy are proud to hold Athena Swan Silver Awards. The School of Physics & Astronomy is also a Project Juno Champion.

*Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.  The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Bipasha Chakraborty, B.Chakraborty@soton.ac.uk.

You should submit your completed online application form at https://jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. References are requested along with your application. This reference system is automated so please ensure you provide the correct email address and allow time for these to be received, prior to the close date, to assist the department with shortlisting. 

If you need any assistance, please call Sam Stubbs (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 2750, or email recruitment@soton.ac.uk. Please quote reference 1934622WF-R on all correspondence.