About the Project and Institute

The Director of the Theoretical Physics Center (CFT PAN) announces a competition for one PhD Scholarship position within the SONATA-19 research project entitled “Thermodynamics of Information Processing: From Theory to Applications”, funded by the National Science Centre, Poland (grant number UMO-2023/51/D/ST2/02309).

The project supervisor is Dr Eng. Patryk Lipka-Bartosik. Project details: warsaw4phd.eu (CFT PAN tab).

CFT PAN is a research institute dedicated to theoretical physics since 1980, conducting research in quantum information, gravitation, semiconductor physics, and atomic gases. The Institute emphasizes hiring top scientists and enabling world-class research.

Project Research Areas

The project aims to link fundamental research with potential technological applications in information thermodynamics. Focus areas:

  • Thermodynamic computing: developing physics-inspired alternative computing models to reduce energy consumption in information processing and machine learning (e.g., arXiv:2308.15905).
  • Quantum effects in information processing: studying how quantum phenomena can improve energy efficiency in information processing (e.g., arXiv:2408.06418).
  • Optimization of thermodynamic protocols: designing thermal machines using collective quantum phenomena for higher energy efficiency (e.g., arXiv:2411.00944).

The project is primarily theoretical but encourages collaboration with experimental research for potential practical applications.

PhD Candidate Tasks

  • Perform analytical calculations,
  • Design and run numerical simulations,
  • Write and publish scientific articles,
  • Present results at conferences,
  • Prepare literature reviews.

Requirements

  • Motivation and willingness to work in an interdisciplinary team,
  • Good English proficiency (spoken and written),
  • Programming skills (Python, Julia, MATLAB, or similar),
  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, computer science, or related field.

Required Documents

  1. CV with academic achievements, transcripts, and RODO/GDPR consent for Warsaw4PhD.
  2. Motivation letter (max. 1 page).
  3. Copy of master’s diploma.
  4. Copies of documents confirming scientific or professional achievements.
  5. At least one recommendation letter from a PhD-level academic staff member.
  6. Data protection statement (EN + PL, GDPR clause).

Applications must be submitted electronically via: warsaw4phd.eu by 06.01.2026.

Financial Terms and Additional Information

The scholarship will be awarded according to applicable Polish law and the NCN Council Resolution No. 124/2022. Amount: 5200 PLN net per month (4035.66 PLN from the project budget + 1164.34 PLN from CFT PAN) for four years, with the first three years funded by SONATA-19 (grant UMO-2023/51/D/ST2/02309), and the fourth year from other sources. Additional activities (website, seminars, etc.) may increase the stipend.

Budget is available for computer equipment and business travel.

Start of the doctoral program and scholarship: earliest 01.03.2026, latest 01.05.2026. Results announced by 08.02.2026. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews and notified electronically.

Contact and Recruitment Process

Questions should be sent to: rekrutacja@cft.edu.pl or project supervisor: lbartosik@cft.edu.pl.

Selected applicants will be invited for an interview (usually online). The process ensures friendly communication, feedback, and support for candidates with disabilities.

Equality, Diversity, and Final Remarks

CFT PAN promotes inclusion and equal treatment regardless of personal traits. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply.

The institute follows the Regulations for Reporting Legal Violations and Protection of Whistleblowers.
Competition rules