Ultracold Atom News

The New Zealand Institute of Advanced Studies, Massey University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Computational Theoretical Physics of Quantum Gases. As a Postdoctoral Fellow, you will work on fundamental aspects of quantum many-body theory, including nonlinear wave phenomena in strongly correlated quantum fluids. The position is funded by the Marsden fund of New Zealand, through the research project “Full configuration interaction quantum Monte Carlo for fermionic superfluids”. You will work closely with the project leader Professor Joachim Brand, international collaborators at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State research in Germany and at MIT, in the USA. You will also become a member of the Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonics and Quantum Technology, a national Centre of Research Excellence, and will enjoy access to the facilities and programs of the Centre. Based at the University’s Auckland campus, you will further interact with a lively community of ultra-cold atom researchers in New Zealand and Australia. A further aspect of the project is the development and implementation of quantum Monte Carlo algorithms with specific focus on the full configuration-interaction quantum Monte Carlo approach. The main research question is how computer simulations can increase our understanding and refine approximate theories of strongly-correlated quantum matter. Further applications of quantum Monte Carlo simulations to models relevant to relativistic quantum field theory, cosmology, and non-abelian gauge fields with ultra-cold atomic gases are possible. To be successful in appointment to this position, you should have a PhD in Computational Theoretical Physics, and a strong track record of publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. Previous experience with the theory of ultra-cold atomic gases, quantum many-body theory, quantum Monte Carlo or general computational methods of theoretical physics, and the theory of integrable systems will be a plus. However, we will also consider applicants with a different background. Applications should be made through Massey University's web portal and need to include a full CV, cover letter and the names of at least three references. Enquiries about this position should be addressed to the project leader Professor Joachim Brand (j.brand@massey.ac.nz).