Join the Research Group

As part of the Mathematical Physics Research Group at the University of Melbourne, I am excited to mentor students and young researchers. The Mathematical Physics Research Group provides a stimulating environment with weeky seminars and plenty of opportunity to interact with other researchers. I have active collaborations with researchers in both mathematics (Mario Kieburg, Thomas Quella) and physics (Andy Martin, Stephan Rachel). Please find some opportunities to join the research group as postdoc or student below.

Postdoc Position

The application is now closed and we do not accept applications anymore. We started reviewing applications on July 27, 2023 (first deadline) and are now in the process of shortlisting. We expect to make an offer in late September or October.

We will be hiring a Postdoc in the broad area of quantum information theory, quantum gravity and random matrix theory, which is co-funded by the Quantum Information Structure of Spacetime (QISS) Consortium. The postdoc will be part of the consortium and have the opportunity to collaborate with some of the other consortium nodes (particularly, Penn State, Vienna and Okinawa). The position has a flexible start date ranging from late 2023 to 2024. Please contact me if you are interested.

Who we are looking for:

  • You will have completed (or near completion of) a PhD degree in physics, mathematics or related discipline. You thrive in collaborative environments and working constructively with colleagues to advance the School’s goals.
  • Demonstrated capacity to engage in outstanding research consistent with the strengths and strategic directions of QISS Consortium and the research conducted in the mathematical physics research group (specifically, though not limited to, the research of Dr. Lucas Hackl, Dr. Mario Kieburg and Prof. Peter Forrester).
  • Experience in at least one of the following topics and clear potential to make connections between them: Quantum Information, Relativistic Quantum Information, Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime, Quantum Gravity, General Relativity, Random Matrix Theory.
  • You will have the opportunity to pursue your own research, engage in the research group and collaborate. Areas of interest could include:
    • Average and typical entanglement entropy for ensembles of quantum states.
    • Hawking radiation, Unruh effect, quantum information in curved spacetime.
    • Quantum information measures in conformal field theories.
    • Symmetry classification of random matrix ensembles and relations to quantum states.
    • Mathematics of bosonic and fermionic Gaussian states and their applications in physics.
    • Quantum reference frames and its interplay with dynamics and quantum information.

What we offer:

  • Cutting-edge research at the intersection of quantum information, qauntum gravity, and random matrix theory.
  • Opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration and networking within the prestigious QISS 2 Consortium
  • AUD101,460 - AUD105,182 p.a., plus 17% super (retirement pension), and benefits!
  • Travel funding available for both domestic and international trips, poential for longer research at other QISS nodes.
  • The position will be advertised for 21 months, but our budget includes an additional 2 months of vacation pay.
  • We aim to extend the position by another year, subject to performance and availability of funding.

Additional comments:

  • Depending on personal circumstances, there are different visa options (ranging from 2-4 year visa to permanent residency).
  • The total net pay can be estimated using online calculators, such as paycalculator.com.au.
    Rough estimate of net pay (after taxes): Ca. AUD76,000 p.a. (currently: ca. USD50,800 or EUR46,600) or AUD6,300 per month (currently: ca. USD4,200 or EUR3,900).
  • Depending on the visa status, it may be required to buy private health insurance.
  • 17% of your gross salary will be contributed to a pension account (superannuation fund) of your choice.
  • You are able to choose your preferred superannuation account and how the balance should be invested.
  • The accumulated pension sum can be withdrawn in accordance with the Australian superannuation laws.
  • Cost of living in Melbourne, Australia can be estimated using online calculators, such as www.numbeo.com.

Required documents for application (first deadline: July 27, 2023):

  • Cover letter (1-2 pages, giving an overview of the application and emphasizing its highlights).
  • CV (including publication list).
  • List of at least 2 referees who agreed to provide a letter of recommendation.
  • A research statement outlining existing research experience and current research interest / focus for the position, highlighting potential overlap with members of the mathematical physics research group at the University of Melbourne (preferably 3-5 pages).
  • A concise summary of how the research could fit into the QISS Consortium and research overlap with other QISS nodes with the potential for collaboration (1 page).

The application is now closed and we do not accept applications anymore. We started reviewing applications on July 27, 2023 (first deadline) and are now in the process of shortlisting. We expect to make an offer in late September or October.

PhD Position

I will be hiring PhD student who is expected to start some time in 2024. Please contact me if you are interested.

Master Thesis Project

If you interested in joining the group as a Master student, please contact me.

Vacation Scholarship

The School of Mathematics and Statistics runs every year in January/February a Vacation Scholarship Program, where Australian undergraduate students (even from other universities) will receive a stipend (ca. 500 AUD per week for four weeks) to conduct research under the supervision of a researcher in the school. The program is competitive. If you are interested in applying for a project under my supervision, please contact me.