Research Associate

Salary: Grade 7, £34,308 - £42,155

Contract Type: Fixed Term, 12 months

Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business and industry.

Heriot-Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business and languages. Heriot-Watt is also Scotland's most international university, boasting the largest international student cohort.

About our Team

The theory group of Adrian Kantian is working on strongly correlated quantum systems, with a special focus on unconventional and high-temperature superconductivity in basic models, but ultimately aiming at proposals of realistic materials and devices based on these. Likewise, the group is working on improved methods to understand existing unconventional and high-Tc superconductivity, such as the Bechgaard and Fabre salts. As such, a major aspect of its work is the development of reliable numerical theory beyond any currently available, in order to accurately predict the properties of these superconducting systems. Numerical techniques such as the density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) feature heavily in this, as well as dynamical mean-field theory (DMFT). These approaches are complemented with analytical techniques as necessary. This work further has multiple connections to other research topics pursued in the group, such as other low-dimensional correlated systems, flatband systems and analog quantum simulations of correlated lattice models in ultracold atomic gases.

Detailed Description

The successful candidate for this position would work in close collaboration with the PI and other group members on developing new, efficient approaches for the numerical description of unconventional and high-Tc superconductivity, especially in quasi-one-dimensional systems of correlated fermions (many 1D systems coupled in parallel that form 2D or 2D arrays). Within that context, work in this position will focus on studying the competition of superconductivity with possible other orders in these systems. Towards that goal the project will employ hybrid approaches combining matrix product states and static mean field theory, as well as develop techniques to go beyond the mean field approximation used in our already-developed framework. The position requires a researcher with a strong theoretical understanding and a background in numerical many-body physics, specifically in both matrix product state-based techniques as well as alternative approaches such as auxiliary-field Quantum Monte Carlo. A working knowledge of the theory of strongly correlated quantum systems and superconductivity in particular is essential.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

We are looking for a creative and highly motivated researcher willing to work as part of a group.

• General tasks will involve scientific research, the communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project as well as the preparation of scientific papers and the presentation of research at conferences.
• The successful candidate will be expected to conduct and lead their own research, whilst also supervising the activities of junior group members and PhD students if required.
• Work in this position entails building internal contacts and participating in internal networks for the exchange of information and forming relationships for future collaboration. It involves working with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest and contribute to collaborative decision making. Join external networks to share information and identify potential sources of funds.
• This position further requires contribution, under supervision, to the planning of research projects, including the development of new grant/contract proposals, and making internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding, as well as forming relationships for future collaboration.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria

• A PhD in theoretical physics.

• Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively; energy and enthusiasm for the project.

• Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative; evidence of research ability: problem solving, flexibility.

• Experience in hybridizing matrix product state-based methods with static mean-field theory for both equilibrium and time-dependent systems.

• Experience in applying auxiliary-field / determinantal Quantum Monte Carlo techniques.

• Experience in working on quasi-one-dimensional systems of strongly correlated fermions, especially in the context of unconventional and high-Tc superconductivity and their competition with insulating orders.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in leading the writing of scientific papers.

• Proficiency with UNIX-based operating systems, shell scripts.

• Experience in high-performance computing

Travel : is there any travel expected for the post?

It is possible that the need to travel needs will arise from visits of our national and international collaborators in the UK, Europe and the US, as well as for presenting research results at conferences, workshops and seminars.

‘How to Apply'

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Friday 17th March 2023.

Please must submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV that includes the list of publications

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ .

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.

Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.