Postdoctoral Researcher Positions on Theory of Quantum Geometry and Superconductivity (aalto)

Job Description

Professor Päivi Törmä (Aalto University) is looking for highly motivated Postdoctoral Researchers to work on the theory of quantum geometry and superconductivity, related to the JOB IS FROM: postdocjobs.oneVIEWSuperC collaboration.

Your role and goals

The possible research topics range from fundamentals of quantum geometric flat band superconductivity to its signatures in moire materials and utilization in machine learning powered searches of new superconductors with high critical temperatures. There are possibilities for research collaboration and extended visits to the following SuperC partners and their institutions: Andrei Bernevig (Princeton University), Ion Errea (University of Barque Country), Kristjan Haule (Rutgers University), Miguel Marques (Ruhr University Bochum), Andrew Millis (Columbia University and Flatiron Institute) and Tero Heikkilä (University of Jyväskylä). The SuperC project involves also collaboration with leading experimental groups in the field. We search for several Postdoctoral Researchers with strong analytical skills and experience in quantum many-body theory, preferably in the fields of superconductivity, quantum geometry, topological quantum chemistry, quantum transport and/or topological physics. Expertise on numerical methods such as dynamical mean-field theory, quantum Monte Carlo, exact diagonalization, density functional theory, non-equilibrium methods and/or machine learning is highly appreciated.

The Quantum Dynamics group lead by Päivi Törmä has pioneered the idea that quantum geometry and topology allows supercurrent and superconductivity in flat bands where non-interacting particles are localized (Peotta and Törmä, Nature Communications 6, 8944 (2015)). Recently these concepts have become relevant for instance in the context of flat band superconductivity in twisted bilayer graphene (Törmä, Peotta, Bernevig, Nature Reviews Physics 4, 528 (2022). In these postdoc projects, open questions related to these concepts will be explored, with emphasis on finding new systems and materials where they can provide exceptionally robust and high-temperature superconductivity.

Your experience and ambitions

We are looking for a bright and motivated Postdoctoral Researchers with an excellent record in the field of the position. Good command of English (both verbal and written) and demonstrated ability to disseminate scientific results are mandatory requirements for the position. Finnish language is not required. Applicants must be motivated to conduct research at the highest international level.

Postdoctoral Researchers must hold a PhD degree in a suitable field. Also researchers that are finishing their PhD within a few months may apply.

What we offer

Your location will be Aalto University, Finland. Extended visits of several months to the other institutions mentioned above are possible and will be arranged according to your wishes.

Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities. The salary ranges for a postdoc from 3900€ to 4300€ per month, depending on previous experience, and the postdoc contracts will initially be made for 2 years.  The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare.

Place and infrastructure

You will join the QD group at Aalto University. The QD group explores quantum many-body physics theory, with focus on superconductivity, quantum geometry and topology, and also conducts nanophotonics experiments with Bose-Einstein condensation and topological physics themes. Computational facilities available for the project are outstanding, and completely free of charge. Aalto University has its own cluster, and the computational infrastructure and services of the national scientific computing centre CSC are available. For instance last year, their LUMI supercomputer ranked third in speed in the TOP500 list of supercomputers and is the fastest supercomputer in Europe.

For recent research outputs of the groups, please see Päivi Törmä’s entry at Google Scholar.

Aalto University has six schools with nearly 13 000 students and 400 professors. It is the largest university in Finland focusing on education and research and technology, science, business, and arts. The QD group is located on the Otaniemi campus in Espoo (10 km from the city center of Helsinki), which is one of the largest hubs of high-tech in Northern Europe.

We work in a hybrid way, and the primary workplace is Otaniemi campus.

Join us!

To apply for the position, please submit your application including the attachments mentioned below as one single PDF document in English through our online recruitment system by using the link on Aalto University’s web page ("Apply Now”).

(1)    Letter of motivation

(2)    CV including list of publications

(3)    Degree certificates and academic transcripts

(4)    Contact details of at least two referees (or letters of recommendation, if already available)

The deadline for applications is 7th of December 2023, but the position will remain open until filled. For additional information, kindly contact Prof. Päivi Törmä (paivi.torma@aalto.fi). Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period. We aim to have a transparent and equal recruitment process, so feel free to ask us for feedback.

Please note: Aalto University’s employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions).

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 13 000 students, 400 professors and close to 4 500 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

At the Department of Applied Physics, our pioneering research in physical sciences creates important industrial applications that hold great technological potential. Our research focuses on Materials physics; Quantum technology; Soft & living matter; and Advanced energy solutions. Topics extend from fundamental research to important applications. We educate future generations of research and development professionals; data specialists; technology experts; inventors; and scientists for industry and society.

Check out our new virtual campus experience: https://virtualtour.aalto.fi/

About Finland

Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was just listed, fifth year in a row, as the happiest country in the world: https://finland.fi/life-society/happinessreport2022/. For more information about living in Finland please see: https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto/living-in-finland & https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/welcome-to-aalto-university-and-finland-info-package.

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