Key dates

1. Application deadline: 5 October 2026.
2. Candidates will be informed of the recruitment results by 12 October 2026.

Funding source

Project entitled “Activation of Quantum Coherences by Open Systems and Environments”, funded under the QuantERA Call 2023 by the National Science Centre (grant agreement no. UMO-2023/05/Y/ST2/00139).
https://quantera.eu/qucaboose/

The scholarship will be awarded in accordance with applicable Polish law and the rules set out in the Regulations on awarding NCN research scholarships in research projects funded by the National Science Centre, constituting an annex to Resolution No. 124/2022 of the NCN Council of 1 December 2022.

About us

The Center for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CTP PAS) is a research institute specializing in theoretical physics. CTP PAS was established in 1980 and is based in Warsaw.

CTP PAS conducts research in a range of areas of physics, including quantum information, cosmology and gravity, semiconductors, and atomic gases. The Institute’s strategy is to recruit outstanding scientists and give them freedom in pursuing their research. This has resulted in CTP PAS holding a strong position in Poland, producing world-class publications (including papers in Nature and Science), securing a large number of grants (approximately 30 projects), and participating in international consortia. In terms of citations per researcher, CTP PAS ranks among the leading physics institutions in Poland.

CTP PAS also organizes a range of scientific events, including seminars, workshops and conferences open to the public, and produces educational materials available on the Institute’s YouTube channel.

About the position

We are looking for a scholarship holder to join the Open Quantum Systems and Foundations of Quantum Mechanics group at CTP PAS, led by Prof. Jarosław Korbicz.

Your main responsibilities will include theoretical research on environmental effects on quantum algorithms: conducting research, preparing scientific publications, and participating in workshops and conferences.

For questions about the position, please contact Prof. Jarosław Korbicz (jkorbicz@cft.edu.pl).

If you require reasonable accommodations or a more accessible format to apply for this position online, please contact recruitment@cft.edu.pl.

Candidate profile

Required qualifications, experience and knowledge

• Experience working with open quantum systems
• Current Bachelor’s or Master’s student status in physics, preferably in theoretical physics, open quantum systems, or quantum information.

Required skills and competencies

• Fundamentals of open quantum systems theory
• Fundamentals of quantum information theory

Preferred skills and competencies

• Python,
• Mathematica

What we offer

• a research scholarship agreement,
• scholarship amount: PLN 2,000 gross per month,
• a stimulating research environment,
• a friendly and flexible working environment,
• knowledge and experience sharing,
• flexible working hours,
• a diverse and inclusive culture in which mutual support, teamwork and respect are highly valued,
• co-financing of a MultiSport card,

We will consider applications for part-time or flexible arrangements where feasible. We encourage you to discuss your flexible working needs during the interview.

How to apply

Please send your application to recruitment@cft.edu.pl by 5 October 2026, quoting the reference number “JK/24/2026” in the subject line.

Required documents:

• Academic CV describing the course of your studies and any scientific achievements to date (publications, participation in research projects, conference presentations), including the following clause: “I hereby consent to the processing of my personal data contained in the application documents for the purposes necessary to conduct the recruitment process by the Center for Theoretical Physics PAS in Warsaw”.
• Cover letter.
• A certificate from the university confirming current Bachelor’s student status or, for a Master’s student, a copy of the Bachelor’s degree diploma together with a certificate confirming current Master’s student status.
• Copies of documents confirming scientific or professional achievements (optional).
• At least one letter of recommendation from a researcher holding at least a doctoral degree, concerning the candidate and their scientific activity to date, sent directly by the referee to recruitment@cft.edu.pl.
• Data protection statement (link to the statement template).

Only selected candidates will be contacted.

How we recruit

We carefully review every application. Candidates whose experience and competencies match our needs and requirements are invited to an interview (usually held remotely).

Throughout the recruitment process, we stay in contact with candidates and make every effort to ensure that interviews take place in a friendly atmosphere. We provide feedback after interviews and approach each candidate individually, including by accommodating the needs of persons with disabilities.

We appreciate any feedback submitted after the recruitment process. It helps us continuously improve our recruitment practices.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

CTP PAS fosters an inclusive environment regardless of personal, physical or social characteristics. We highly value teamwork, recognize and appreciate individual strengths, and support the career development of every employee.

Equality, respect and openness are fundamental values in an academic environment in which diversity is essential. We strive to provide a safe and inclusive space for all members of our scientific community.

CTP PAS has a Regulation on reporting breaches of law and the protection of reporting persons in place.