PhD Student in Theoretical Physics: Quantum Sensing with Anharmonic Systems

The Department of Physics is located in the AlbaNova University Center and has approximately 230 employees, 250 students at undergraduate level and 80 graduate students. There are four research subjects within the postgraduate program: Physics, Theoretical Physics, Chemical Physics and Medical Radiation Physics. These subjects span over several research groups with different research activities. For information about the Department of Physics, see: www.fysik.su.se/english .

Project description

Subject: Theoretical Physics

We invite applications for a PhD position in the theory of quantum sensing at the Department of Physics (Fysikum), Stockholm University. The project will be carried out within the research group led by Sofia Qvarfort and will be based at Nordita as part of the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT). The successful candidate will join a collaborative and international research environment in quantum physics, as well as the WACQT graduate school, with opportunities to interact with both theoretical and experimental researchers.

Quantum sensing is a rapidly developing quantum technology that aims to exploit quantum effects to achieve enhanced precision in measurements of weak forces, accelerations, gravitational effects, and other physical parameters. Candidate platforms span a broad range, from individual atoms and superconducting devices to mechanical resonators operating in the quantum regime.

A central question in quantum sensing is what physical resources can provide a genuine sensing advantage, and under which realistic conditions that advantage survives. Improvements in sensitivity can arise through the preparation of non-classical quantum states, changes in the dynamics by which a parameter is encoded, suitable measurement strategies, or by connecting multiple sensors into distributed quantum sensing networks. Understanding the interplay between these mechanisms, particularly in the presence of noise and decoherence, remains an important theoretical challenge.

This PhD project will investigate fundamental limits and new protocols for quantum sensing using tools from mathematical physics, quantum information theory, open quantum systems, and quantum metrology. Possible research directions include nonlinear and anharmonic quantum dynamics, generation and use of non-Gaussian states, distributed quantum sensing, and the role of realistic measurements and environmental noise. The project will be motivated by experimentally relevant quantum technologies, with an emphasis on mechanical resonators in the quantum regime. An important goal is to identify which physical resources and protocols can lead to meaningful improvements in sensitivity under realistic experimental constraints.

We are looking for a curious and motivated candidate with a strong interest in theoretical quantum physics and an enthusiasm for learning new ideas and methods. We value creativity, careful scientific thinking, collaboration, and a willingness to discuss and develop ideas with others. Stockholm University and Nordita strives to provide an inclusive research environment with equal opportunities for all. The position offers opportunities to develop an independent research profile while working closely with the supervisor and other researchers at Stockholm University, Nordita, WACQT, and international collaborators. The candidate will have opportunities to attend international conferences and research visits and will be supported in developing their teaching and science-communication skills.

Qualification requirements

In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

Specific entry requirements. In order to be accepted as a PhD student in Physics or Theoretical Physics a BSc in Physics (or equivalent) is required. The studies must include 60 credits of second-cycle courses in physics out of which at least 15 credits correspond to a second-cycle degree project. The degree project does not have to have been examined at the application deadline, but work corresponding to half a semester of full-time studies should have been devoted to it. For the subject Chemical Physics courses in chemistry may replace the required physics courses. The subject Medical Radiation Physics requires a second-cycle degree project of 30 credits in the subject area, or with 60 credits of physics, a second-cycle degree project of 30 credits in another subject area.

In addition, proficiency in English language, equivalent to English B in Swedish high school, is required, or

• Previously completed University degree taught in English
• IELTS score (Academic) of 6.0 or more (with none of the sections scoring less than 5.0)
• TOEFL score of 550 or more (computer based test 213, internet based 79)
• Cambridge/Oxford - Advanced or Proficiency level

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:

• documented knowledge in a relevant field of research
• capacity for analytical and creative thinking
• initiative
• independence
• ability to collaborate
• written and oral proficiency

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the employment

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

For more information about the project, please contact Assist. Prof. Sofia Qvarfort , sofia.qvarfort@fysik.su.se .

For information about the employment contact Prof. Michael Odelius, odelius@fysik.su.se , who can also forward questions to the PhD student council at Fysikum.

Application

Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position .