Source of Funding

EUCENTRAL: CENTER FOR QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES MODELLING – project [HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-TALENTS-01-01] — [ERA Chair] funded by the European Commission (grant agreement no.: 101186579).

Project website: https://eucentral.cft.edu.pl/

About Us

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

CFT PAN conducts research in various fields of physics, including quantum information, research on space and gravity, semiconductors, and atomic gases. The Institute’s strategy is to employ the strongest scientists while giving them freedom in conducting research. The result is the high position of CFT PAN in Poland, world-class publications (papers in Nature and Science), a large number of grants (approx. 30 projects), and presence in international consortia. In terms of citations per employee, CFT PAN is among the absolute leaders of Polish physics.

CFT PAN also organizes a number of scientific events, including seminars, workshops, and conferences open to the public, and creates educational materials made available on the Institute’s YouTube channel.

About the Position

We are looking for two people for the postdoc – adjunct position who will join the Modelling Center for Quantum Technologies group at CFT PAN, led by Dr. Federico Balducci (team leader). The group will closely collaborate with the group of Prof. Marzena Szymańska (ERA Chair Holder) from University College London.

The main responsibilities will include in particular:

• conducting original research on open many-body quantum systems by developing theoretical and computational tools;
• disseminating results by preparing manuscripts and participating in international conferences;
• maintaining the developed open-access code libraries.

Questions regarding the position or the recruitment process can be directed to Dr. Federico Balducci: fbalducci@pks.mpg.de.

If you need reasonable accommodations or a more accessible online application format, please contact: recruitment@cft.edu.pl

About the Candidate

Essential qualifications, experience and knowledge
PhD degree in quantum physics, condensed matter physics or a related field.

Essential skills and abilities
Strong background in quantum statistical mechanics and many-body theory. Programming skills and experience in numerical computations. Very good written and oral communication skills and the ability to work both independently and in a team.

Desirable qualifications, experience and knowledge
Experience in open quantum systems and/or quantum optimal control and/or quantum information theory. Knowledge of numerical tools used in research on many-body quantum systems, e.g. exact diagonalization, tensor networks.

Desirable skills and abilities
Experience in using version control systems and collaborative code development, e.g. GitHub.

What We Offer

• full-time fixed-term employment contract,
• salary: 10 000–10 500 PLN gross per month — depending on the candidate’s qualifications and experience; in addition, the employee may be entitled to bonuses, awards or other salary components in accordance with the Remuneration Regulations in force at the Institute. The remuneration is determined and paid in accordance with the Remuneration Regulations in force at the Institute,
• scientifically stimulating research environment,
• friendly and flexible working environment,
• knowledge and experience sharing,
• flexible working hours,
• diverse and inclusive culture in which mutual support, teamwork and respect are highly valued,
• subsidy for: Multisport card,
• subsidy for leisure,
• subsidy for nurseries and kindergartens

We will consider applications for part-time or flexible work if possible. We encourage you to discuss your flexible working needs during the interview.

How to Apply

Applications should be sent to: recruitment@cft.edu.pl by 30.06.2026. Please enter the reference number MSZ/11/2026 in the subject line of the message.

Required documents:

• Scientific CV including the previous course of studies and any scientific achievements (publications, participation in research projects, conference presentations), with the clause “I consent to the processing of my personal data contained in the application documents for the purposes necessary for the recruitment process by the Center for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences”.
• Motivation letter – 1 page.
• Short description of previous and planned future research – 2 pages.
• Copy of the PhD diploma.
• Copies of documents confirming scientific or professional achievements.
• At least two recommendation letters from a scientist holding at least a PhD degree, concerning the candidate and their current scientific activity.
• Data protection statement (GDPR clause).

We will contact only selected candidates.

How We Recruit

We carefully review every application. Persons whose experience and competencies match our needs and requirements are invited for an interview (usually held online).

Throughout the entire process we stay in contact with candidates, ensure that the interviews take place in a friendly atmosphere, and provide feedback after the interviews. We approach each person individually, also taking into account the needs of people with disabilities.

We are grateful for any feedback sent after the recruitment process. It motivates us to improve our recruitment activities.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

CFT PAN operates in an inclusive environment, regardless of personal, physical or social characteristics. We highly value teamwork, notice and appreciate the strengths of individual persons, and support the career development of every employee.

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

At CFT PAN, the Regulations on reporting violations of law and protection of whistleblowers are in force.