PhD Position – Statistical Mechanics of Noisy Quantum Devices Full-time

PhD Position – Statistical Mechanics of Noisy Quantum Devices

Programmable digital quantum devices are redefining our understanding of many-body physics, realizing unprecedented phases of matter characterized by their quantum-information content. This doctoral project addresses a central question for quantum technologies: how can the intrinsic many-body dynamics of a system protect quantum information against errors and noise? Combining methods from statistical mechanics, quantum information, and condensed matter, you will map noisy and monitored quantum circuits onto statistical-mechanics models and characterize the transitions that govern information protection – from encoding and decoding transitions to error-correction thresholds and emergent fault tolerance.

You will join the Emmy Noether research group of Dr. Xhek Turkeshi at the Peter Grünberg Institute – Quantum Control (PGI-8, Forschungszentrum Jülich), working in close collaboration with the Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of Cologne. The group's activities are shared between the two sites, and the position involves regular travel between Jülich and Cologne.

Your Job

• Analyze the intrinsic many-body dynamics of noisy and monitored quantum circuits, mapping them onto statistical-mechanics models
• Develop analytical approaches (e.g. replica methods and exactly solvable models) alongside large-scale numerical simulations on high-performance computing facilities
• Characterize the transitions that govern quantum information protection, from encoding and decoding transitions to error-correction thresholds and emergent fault tolerance
• Exchange with national and international project partners within the quantum networks of Jülich and Cologne
• Present your research results at international conferences and prepare scientific publications

Your Profile

• Master's degree in physics or a closely related subject
• Solid background in quantum many-body theory and/or statistical physics; expertise in quantum information is particularly appreciated
• Strong programming experience and/or strong background in analytical methods
• Very good command of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary is required (at least B2 level according to the CEFR), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level

Our Benefits for You

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• Research & Infrastructure: You will participate in a world-leading international research environment with cutting-edge computational facilities, including the on-site top European supercomputers
• Team & Environment: You will work in a friendly international research team at the interface of quantum information, statistical mechanics, and condensed matter, across Forschungszentrum Jülich and the University of Cologne
• Networking & Exchange: You will have the opportunity to participate in (international) conferences, schools, and project meetings and actively build your scientific network
• Supervision & Support: We will accompany your doctoral studies with continuous, expert guidance from your academic supervisor
• Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours and, after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks, the option of flexible working in terms of location
• Annual Leave: You get 30 days of annual leave
• Knowledge & Development: Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates (JuDocS)
• Fair remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus under the collective pay agreement amounting to 75% of a monthly salary, as well as capital-forming benefits. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website (pay scale table on page 66 ff. of the PDF download)
• Fixed-term: The position is initially limited to 3 years, extendable to 4 years if needed for the completion of the project/doctorate

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: and on specific support options for women.