Post-doc position in machine-learning-aided computational THz spectroscopy Institute of High Pressure Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences in Poland

Post-doc opportunity in computational terahertz spectroscopy at the Institute of High Pressure Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences (IHPP PAS), Warsaw.

This position is part of a research project entitled “Machine learning aided approach to the new type tunable-filter-based computational THz spectroscopy”, led by Dr Agnieszka Witkowska. The project explores a new approach to terahertz spectroscopy based on electrically tunable plasmonic filters, where the incident THz spectrum is encoded in the transmitted signal across gate voltages and then reconstructed computationally. The aim is to design an optimal filter geometry that maximizes the spectral information available for reconstruction and improves achievable resolution.

The main research task is theoretical electromagnetic modelling of tunable metasurface structures, especially AlGaN/GaN heterostructures with grating gates and related plasmonic devices. The work is primarily computational and involves design and optimisation of metallic filter metasurfaces, finite element simulations in COMSOL Multiphysics, validation against experimental data, and temperature-dependent studies of resonance stability. There is also scope to work with the fabrication team and, optionally, to participate in fabrication and measurement of the designed structures.

The post is hosted by the Institute of High Pressure Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, with work based in Warsaw at the Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies (CEZAMAT), Warsaw University of Technology. Part of the technological work is also carried out at the IHPP PAS site in Warsaw. The project team provides a dedicated GPU workstation, a COMSOL licence, and access to additional computing resources if needed, together with support for conference and summer school participation.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a Ph.D. in physics, mathematics, computer science, electronics, materials engineering, or a related discipline. The Ph.D. must be awarded by an institution other than IHPP PAS, or the applicant must have completed an eligible 9-month research internship outside IHPP PAS and in a different country. The call also requires experience in numerical electromagnetic modelling, understanding of solid state physics and semiconductor electrodynamics, programming skills in Python or a similar language, and fluent English.

Preferred experience: COMSOL Multiphysics, automation of calculations, THz spectroscopy/measurement techniques, plasmonic crystals, two-dimensional electron systems such as AlGaN/GaN, GaAs/AlGaAs or graphene, grating-gate structures, semiconductor heterostructure fabrication, and metasurface fabrication.

Contract and funding: full-time employment for 24 months with an estimated net salary of about PLN 10,000 per month (approximately EUR 2,350). The post is not funded by an EU research programme, but it includes research support for computing and travel.

Application deadline: 7 October 2026, 23:00 Warsaw time. Applications must be emailed to [email protected] with the specified subject line. Candidates should include a CV, motivation letter focused on project fit, at least two recommendation letters, a list of publications and achievements, a copy of the Ph.D. diploma or attestation, and the required signed personal data processing statement.