Job offers

PhD position in Ultracold Atoms

Destination: University of Murcia
Deadline: 17/10/2025

The group of Manuel Valiente is currently accepting PhD applications in the areas of ultracold atomic systems, condensed matter theory, and non-perturbative approaches to many-body physics, within the framework of the University of Murcia’s internal PhD fellowship program («Plan Propio» See https://www.um.es/web/investigacion/contenido/seminarios/predoc-umu-2025

). Our research focuses on the theory of strongly interacting quantum systems, using a combination of analytical techniques and computational methods. Candidates with backgrounds and interest in quantum mechanics, statistical physics, or related areas are encouraged to apply.
Located in southeastern Spain, Murcia is a dynamic and well-connected city with a population of over 400,000. It offers high-speed train connections to Madrid, Barcelona, and other major cities, as well as direct international flights from the nearby Alicante airport. The city also boasts a lower cost of living compared to most large urban centers in Spain, along with a mild Mediterranean climate year-round.
The University of Murcia supports a vibrant research environment with a strong commitment to fundamental science. Our group maintains active international collaborations, particularly across Europe.
We particularly encourage applications from women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in physics. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive research community.
Interested candidates are welcome to get in touch for further details about the research projects and the application process.

Superconducting qubits as sensors of fundamental physics

Destination: IFAE
Deadline: 31/12/2025

Superconducting qubits are the leading candidate platform on which to build quantum

processors owing to a continuous development of many fronts of the technology: enhanced
material quality, noise source mitigation, advanced quantum circuit designs, novel cryogenic
technology, etc. The current advanced state of superconducting qubits permits envisioning
them towards applications beyond quantum computing. An important direction of application is quantum sensing, given the high sensitivity of qubit devices to environmental fluctuations. In particular, superconducting qubits are the best existing single microwave photon detectors. This permits using qubits to detect signals in the form of individual microwave photons appearing from interactions through fundamental physics effects, such as dark matter axions [1], but also graviational waves.

In this project, a first generation of dark matter axion detectors based on superconducting
qubits will be built. The challenge in achieving a highly efficient detector is the combination of cavity QED physics with qubits to detect photons and the resilience of qubits under strong magnetic fields, which are necessary to achieve the axio-to-photon conversion. The project will focus on the characterization of the detector specifications, particularly the study of the baseline of dark count events and their relation with ionizing radiation impacts on the chip [2].

The PhD thesis will be framed in the context of the RADES collaboration, through the QRADES Quantera project funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, and by the EU project SUPREME. The project is expected to begin in Q1 2026. Interested candidates may submit an application with a CV including transcript of university records (both undergraduate and master degrees), a letter of motivation (1 page) and at least 2 letters of recommendation.

More information on this position and the QCT group can be found here: https://qct.ifae.es/

[1] A. Dixit et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 141302 (2021)
[2] E. Bertoldo et al., New J. Phys. 27, 023014 (2025)

PhDs and Postdoctoral researchers in quantum communication

Destination: Vigo Quantum Communication Centre, Universidad de Vigo
Deadline: 31/12/2025

The Vigo Quantum Communication Centre (https://vqcc.uvigo.es/) at the University of Vigo is seeking doctoral students to conduct research in quantum communication. We welcome both theoretical and experimental researchers. One candidate could participate in a project recently funded by the Ministry, for which an FPI grant is available. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Professor Marcos Curty.

Topology and strong interactions in non-equilibrium quantum simulators

Destination: Institute of Fundamental Physics – CSIC
Deadline: 30/11/2025

PhD project on the theory of topological non-equilibrium phases in quantum simulators.

Quantum simulators, such as superconducting circuits or trapped ions, enable the creation of new phases of quantum matter. These new phases are important from a fundamental viewpoint, as they challenge our understanding of quantum complex systems. They can also find applications for designing precise sensors and amplifiers. In recent years, our group has developed a novel formalism for describing topological non-equilibrium phases of matter in quantum simulators. However, many questions remain open, like the role of interactions and disorder. This project will develop a theoretical description of complex topological phases based on analytical approaches and numerical algorithms. We will analyse how interactions lead to exotic new topological phases and explore their dynamical and structural properties.

The ideal candidate will have a solid theoretical background in quantum mechanics, quantum optics, and condensed matter physics. More specifically, you will:

● Modelize quantum simulators based on quantum optical setups using theoretical techniques from quantum open systems (master equations, Floquet theory)
● Analyze quantum phase transitions and topological phases
● Develop numerical algorithms based on phase-space methods (truncated Wigner approximation) or Matrix Product States to describe interacting phases. Numerical experience with Python is useful here.

What we offer:
● Funded PhD position within the 4-year research project (“FPI Grant” funded by the National Project PID2024-159152NB-I00)
● A stimulating environment: the QUINFOG group at IFF-CSIC (6 faculty, several postdocs/PhDs)
● Possibilities for international collaborations with theory and experimental groups.

The search is restricted to students fulfilling the criteria of the call (European citizens
with certification of at least 300 ECTS, or students from outside the European Union
with the Spanish equivalent of 300 ECTS).

The call is expected to mirror last year’s. Selected candidates will apply to the official
opening expected in November, with PhD start around January 2026 (exact dates
TBA).

PhD on quantum dynamics

Destination: CSIC, IFF
Deadline: 30/11/2025

I am pleased to announce that we will soon open a fully funded 4 year PhD position Quinfog at IFF-CSIC (Madrid) and IFT-UAM/CSIC supervised by Luca Tagliacozzo and Esperanza Lopez,

The specific project develops new theoretical and computational tools, based on tensor networks, to study the out-of-equilibrium dynamics of many-body quantum systems. We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a solid background in quantum mechanics and field theory, some experience with numerical methods, and good scientific writing skills in English.
Please find the full description in the above link. sted students.

Becas de Introducción a la Investigación JAE Intro ICU en QUINFOG

Destination: QUINFOG – Instituto de Física Fundamental-CSIC
Deadline: 01/09/2026

Nuestro grupo ofrece cuatro becas de introducción a la investigación para estudiantes universitarios en la próxima convocatoria JAE Intro ICU.

– Plazo de solicitud abierto del 1 al 30 de septiembre 2025.

– 3 meses de duración, fechas a concretar con los investigadores durante 2026.

– 20 horas semanales, 600 €/mes.

– Dirigidas a estudiantes universitarios (grado o máster en Ciencias o Ingeniería Física).

– Cuatro becas en el campo de las tecnologías cuánticas en nuestro grupo:

* Tecnologías Cuánticas Fotónicas para la Integración Óptico-THz (IFF03), Carlos Sánchez Muñoz c.sanchez.munoz@csic.es
* Sensores cuánticos topológicos (IFF-04), Diego Porras Torre, diego.porras@csic.es
* Quantum Simulation with Digitized Superconducting Computers (IFF-05), Alan Costa Dos Santos, ac_santos@iff.csic.es
* Simuladores cuánticos programables (IFF-06), Alejandro González Tudela, a.gonzalez.tudela@csic.es

Toda la información y documentación de la convocatoria se encuentra disponible en:

https://sede.csic.gob.es/tramites/programa-jae/convocatoria-jae-intro-icu-2025

que incluye los Planes de Formación de las ofertas e instrucciones para la solicitud. No dudéis en contactar a los supervisores para más información sobre cada proyecto ofertado, o info.iff@csic.es sobre el proceso de solicitud.

Students Research Fellowship

Destination: Catalonia Quantum Academy
Deadline: 31/10/2025

The Catalonia Quantum Academy is offering up to 4 Student Research Fellowships for Master’s students s enrolled in a home university from outside the CQA, to undertake a research stay (internship or master’s thesis project) at laboratories and research groups at a host institution within the CQA