Research Assistant (PhD Candidate) – R1 Researcher in Theoretical Physics and Quantum Technologies Center for Theoretical Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences in Poland

Research Assistant (PhD Candidate) – R1 Researcher at the Center for Theoretical Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences (CTP PAS), Warsaw, Poland.

This is a full-time, fixed-term research opportunity for two PhD candidates working in the Modelling Center for Quantum Technologies group. The successful candidates will conduct original research in many-body open quantum systems, developing both theoretical and computational tools, while also attending international conferences and schools. The work includes maintaining and further developing open-source code libraries connected to the project.

The position is embedded in the EUCENTRAL project, Center for Quantum Technologies Modelling, financed by the European Commission under Horizon Europe. The role is based in Warsaw and offers a gross monthly salary of approximately 8,000–9,000 PLN, depending on qualifications and experience. The appointment runs for 36 months starting no earlier than 1 November 2026, with performance evaluation after the first year.

The group at CTP PAS is led by Dr. Federico Balducci and collaborates closely with Prof. Marzena Szymańska at University College London. One candidate will be supervised by Dr. Balducci, and the second candidate will be supervised jointly by Prof. Szymańska and Dr. Balducci. The post is explicitly framed as a PhD-candidate role, with the expectation that the assistants will apply for the PhD degree in external mode based on the scientific results produced during the project.

Eligibility highlights include a Master’s degree in Physics or a related field, a strong background in quantum statistical mechanics and many-body theory, programming and numerical-computing skills, and excellent communication skills in English. Preferred experience includes open quantum systems, quantum stochastic calculus, quantum optimal control, quantum information theory, exact diagonalization, tensor networks, and version control tools such as GitHub.

Applications must be submitted by 30 September 2026 to [email protected] with reference number MSz/23/2026. Required documents include a scientific CV, cover letter, Master’s diploma or official proof of degree status, at least one recommendation letter, and a signed personal data protection statement. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.

CTP PAS is a leading Polish theoretical physics institute in Warsaw, with a strong international research profile in quantum information, space and gravity, semiconductors, and atomic gases, making this a highly suitable environment for a researcher interested in theoretical and computational quantum technologies.