Kantaro Ohmori

RIKEN iTHEMS is seeking a few Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers to join the Category Theoretical Physics RIKEN ECL Research Unit in the Division of Fundamental Mathematical Science. The unit is led by Kantaro Ohmori and is based at the RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences in Wako, Saitama. The research environment is centered on connecting quantum field theory with the microscopic models that describe quantum matter. The unit’s theme is to build a framework that starts from categorical and algebraic descriptions of field theory and uses them to understand and design quantum systems with desired macroscopic behavior. The work draws on mathematical structures such as category theory, higher algebra, and algebraic topology, and it also connects to tensor networks and lattice models. Successful candidates will contribute to one or more of the unit’s main research directions, including generalized and non-invertible symmetries, conformal and topological field theories, constructive and algebraic approaches to quantum many-body systems, and other mathematically rich structures relevant to quantum field theory. The post is also explicitly interdisciplinary: researchers are expected to exchange ideas and collaborate with members of iTHEMS across fields. The position can be appointed as either a Research Scientist or a Postdoctoral Researcher depending on the candidate’s profile and aptitude. The post is embedded in a broad theoretical and mathematical sciences hub, with an emphasis on independent research and active participation in collaborative and interdisciplinary activities.