About us
The Center for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CFT PAS) is a research institute conducting studies across many areas of theoretical physics. CFT PAS was founded in 1980 and is located in Warsaw.
CFT PAS conducts research in various fields including quantum information, cosmology and gravity, semiconductors and atomic gases. The Institute’s strategy is to recruit top researchers and give them freedom in research. This has resulted in a strong national standing, publications in world-class journals (Nature, Science), numerous grants (approx. 30 projects) and participation in international consortia. In terms of citations per researcher CFT PAS ranks among the leading physics institutes in Poland.
CFT PAS also organizes scientific events including seminars, workshops and public conferences and produces educational materials published on the Institute’s YouTube channel.
About the position
We are seeking a candidate for the position of Team Leader — Head of Research Group (offered within the tenure-track scheme) who will join the scientific staff of CFT PAS. The candidate should demonstrate passion for science and readiness to build a long-term relationship with the Institute by conducting high-level research, forming their own research group, obtaining research funding and taking active organizational roles.
Positions for members of the emerging research team (minimum two PhD students and two postdocs) will be financed within the EUCENTRAL project. In addition, funds will be provided for conference travel for the team during the project lifetime.
Main responsibilities include:
- conducting high-quality research in theoretical physics,
- publishing results in top scientific journals,
- building and maintaining the “Modelling for Quantum Technologies” research group in cooperation with Prof. Marzena Szymańska (ERA Chair Holder) and actively managing the team and EUCENTRAL project tasks (https://eucentral.cft.edu.pl/),
- active participation in the Institute’s scientific life,
- obtaining external research funding (grants),
- development of the many-body quantum modelling code platform (https://cft-pan.github.io/quantum-modelling-centre/about/),
- organizational cooperation and engagement in the development of early-career researchers.
This post is offered on a tenure-track basis. The selected candidate will be employed for 36 months as either a Professor / Professor of the Institute or an Assistant Professor (depending on academic title/degree). After this period permanent employment may be considered provided that within the first 33 months the candidate:
- establishes, in cooperation with Prof. Marzena Szymańska (ERA Chair Holder), a research group at CFT PAS within Modelling for Quantum Technologies,
- submits an ERC application and/or secures at least one externally funded research project with total funding of at least 1,000,000 PLN,
- obtains a positive opinion from other senior researchers at CFT PAS based on reviews by three external experts (including possible habilitation reviews),
- submits an application for habilitation (if such an application has not been previously submitted).
The recruitment will be conducted by CFT PAS Recruitment Committees — the “Young Researchers Committee” and the “Advisory Board Recruitment Committee”. The competition consists of three stages:
- Formal check. Applications will be reviewed for formal compliance by the Young Researchers Committee in cooperation with the Advisory Board Committee and HR. If formal deficiencies are found, candidates may be asked to complete missing documents.
- First merit-based stage. Candidates will be evaluated in categories: scientific achievements; experience in research projects; candidate’s potential regarding team and Institute development. A ranked list will be produced. Top candidates will be invited to the second merit-based stage.
- Second merit-based stage. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to give a public scientific talk and attend an interview with CFT PAS representatives (online possible). External expert opinions may be sought. After the second stage a final ranking will be prepared. The Advisory Board Recruitment Committee will draft the final hiring recommendation based on scores, the talk, expert opinions and the interview. The Director of CFT PAS will make the final appointment decision.
Contact & accessibility
Questions regarding the position or recruitment process should be sent to: recruitment@cft.edu.pl.
If you require accessibility accommodations or an alternative format to apply for this position, please contact us at recruitment@cft.edu.pl.
Candidate profile — required
Essential qualifications, experience and knowledge
- PhD degree,
- substantial scientific output in quantum system modelling, quantum technologies or related areas,
- proven ability to obtain research grants at a scale allowing the creation of an independent research team,
- ability to lead and manage team tasks in an academic environment,
- ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate in a research environment,
- strong motivation to foster the development of early-career researchers and the Institute’s scientific potential,
- specific requirement: experience with tensor network methods or DMRG.
Desirable qualifications and experience
- research experience abroad (e.g., postdoctoral stays),
- awards, distinctions or fellowships for scientific achievements,
- experience in mentoring junior researchers or organizing scientific events.
Desirable skills
- leadership and organisational skills (ability to lead an independent research group and projects),
- strong communication skills including presentation and outreach abilities.
We offer
- full-time employment for 36 months (with possibility of extension to indefinite contract),
- research funding (approx. 15,000 PLN/year),
- salary: approx. 17,000 – 21,000 PLN gross/month (approx. 13,000 – 16,000 PLN net/month),
- stimulating scientific environment,
- friendly and flexible working conditions,
- knowledge- and experience-sharing culture,
- flexible working hours,
- diverse and inclusive workplace that values mutual support and teamwork,
- subsidies for Multisport card,
- subsidies for holidays,
- subsidies for nurseries and kindergartens.
How to apply — required documents
Please send your application to: recruitment@cft.edu.pl by 31.01.2026, indicating reference number MSz/29/2025 in the subject line.
- Motivation letter including proposed start date at CFT PAS, a short description of past and planned research and justification (max. 4 pages),
- Scientific CV including list of publications and other achievements,
- List of up to 3 most important achievements (publications, patents, awards, supervision) — max. 3000 characters,
- List of research projects led and administrative roles related to research management,
- Other documents that may significantly influence the candidate evaluation,
- Statement confirming that CFT PAS will be the primary place of employment if offered a position,
- Documents confirming the award of academic degree(s),
- List of at least two scientists willing to provide reference letters,
- Data protection statement (form available at: GDPR clause link).
Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to the second-stage interview.
Recruitment procedure
We carefully review every application. Candidates whose experience and skills match our needs will be invited to an interview (usually held online). Throughout the process we maintain contact with applicants, ensure a friendly atmosphere during interviews and provide feedback after interviews. We treat each applicant individually and accommodate needs of persons with disabilities.
We appreciate any feedback sent after the recruitment process — it helps us improve our hiring procedures.
Equality, diversity & inclusion
CFT PAS fosters an inclusive environment regardless of personal, physical or social characteristics. We value teamwork, recognize individual strengths and support career development for every employee.
Equality, respect and openness are fundamental values in our academic environment where diversity is essential. We aim to provide a safe and inclusive space for all members of our scientific community.
The Institute follows internal rules for reporting breaches of law and protection of whistle-blowers.
