ENSEMBLE³ is a new Centre of Excellence for nanophotonics, advanced materials, and novel crystal growth-based technologies located in Warsaw, Poland, created jointly by the Łukasiewicz Institute of Microelectronics and Photonics, the University of Warsaw (Poland), the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany), the Sapienza University of Rome (Italy), and the Nanoscience Research Center nanoGUNE (Spain). The ENSEMBLE³ Centre will work on the development of novel material technologies and advanced materials with unique electromagnetic properties, with potential applications in fields such as photonics, optoelectronics, telecommunication, solar energy conversion, medicine, and aerospace.

Job description:

Project Focus: Theory of Casimir Interactions and Material Physics Modelling using analytical theory, numerical solutions, and optionally during the later stages, applying density functional theory. The position is within the realm of Applied Quantum Electrodynamics and aim to combine analytical formalism with numerical solutions. As a part of a future journey, you will dive deep into the world of Casimir interactions. Your work will involve a combination of theoretical analysis and materials modeling. This integration of theoretical understanding and practical computation will pave the way for significant contributions to the field. To be specific the international project involves developing the theoretical physics of response functions, exploring finite temperature Casimir forces between metallic objects, expanding Casimir-Yukawa physics, investigating the effect of Casimir-Lifshitz interactions on ice layer formation, and related topics. The position is well integrated within a very active international network of researchers (Poland, Australia, Norway, USA, China, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Brazil). Notably, the project include exploring the foundations of Casimir physics together with Dr. Mathias Boström, Prof. Emeritus Iver Brevik (NTNU, Norway) and Prof. Emeritus Prof. Barry W. Ninham (Australian National University). Dr Ninham has an h-index 95 and >44000 citations. Together with Dr. Oleksandr Malyi (see https://oimalyi.org/), the successful candidature will later be given the opportunity to learn and explore density functional theory for related systems, thus further broadening the scientific expertise. Collaborations will be explored with different local research groups both in Ensemble3 and at the University of Warszawa.

Key responsibilities:

Are you an analytical thinker with a strong interest in theoretical physics?

Do you have the skills to model complex interactions and craft robust simulations?

Profile of candidates/requirements:

Strong analytical skills and problem-solving ability.

Knowledge in classical analysis is an advantage.

A solid background in theoretical/mathematical physics, with emphasis on Casimir interactions

Proficiency in coding, with experience in scientific computing languages (e.g., Fortran and Python), and using program packages, such as Mathematica, being a plus.

Excellent communication skills in English are essential to effectively present and discuss scientific ideas.

Required application documents:

CV with a full list of publications;

Proof of suitable diploma;

Cover letter specifying what motivates you for joining the group and how you meet the search criteria;

Names and contact details of three senior researchers who may act as referees

We offer:

One-year research assistant position under the esteemed supervision of Dr. Mathias Boström, with a rich academic background and an impressive portfolio of research (see webpage: https://ensemble3.eu/individual-scientists). 

The salary of around 5,000 pln (after tax) – 7800 bruto-bruto salary.

This position may be updated to the Ph.D. position at leading universities in Poland upon sufficient progress and completing the enrollment process at the university.

Contact details: Dr. Mathias Boström (email: [email protected])

Information on our current funding: https://www.oimalyi.org/funding