Research Associate (Fixed Term) Full-time

First-Principles Modelling of Response Properties of Correlated Quantum Materials

Applications are invited for a theoretical researcher post, available from September 2026 for 36 months, within the Theory of Condensed Matter (TCM) group at the Cavendish Laboratory. The role holder will drive theoretical advances in first-principles modelling of correlated quantum materials, in which conventional frameworks fail to capture phenomena driven by strong electron-electron interactions. The project focuses on developing computational methods to describe the fundamental physics and response properties of correlated systems; to overcome existing limitations, the role holder will adapt and develop correlated-electron approaches to calculate macroscopic transport, angle-resolved photoemission spectra, and other complex response properties. Central to this effort will be the application of methods able to capture dynamical interactions; consequently, the role holder shall develop the mathematical framework and numerical implementation to extend existing first-principles codes, ultimately providing the scientific community with new computational pathways and open-source tools for predictive materials modelling.

The successful candidate will have a physics PhD with a robust background in theoretical condensed matter physics and first-principles methods. The role holder must be an expert in advanced electronic-structure methods, especially bridging self-consistent electronic-structure methods with many-body perturbation theory. Comprehensive knowledge of theoretical approaches and first-principles simulations of transport phenomena and spectroscopy is a plus.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

Department/location

Department of Physics

Salary

£33,002 – £35,608 or £37,694 – £46,049

Reference

KA49434

Category

Research

Date published

16 April 2026

Closing date

3 May 2026