PhD Positions

Requirements:

• Student status: Status of a PhD student at a doctoral school at the start of project participation and throughout the duration of project tasks.
• Language skills: Good command of English.
• Physics background: Knowledge of theoretical physics, specifically a solid foundation in quantum physics.

Additional requirements:

• Programming skills (e.g., Python, Julia, C++) will be considered an asset.

Description of tasks:

As part of the research tasks outlined in the project proposal for the development of quantum technologies and simulators, the student's responsibilities will include:

• Utilizing quantum simulators to study a wide class of physical systems, ranging from lattice models (such as the Hubbard and Bose-Hubbard models) with synthetic gauge fields and disorder, to relativistic phenomena that can be modeled in Bose-Einstein condensates, such as the Unruh effect and analog gravity. The research will involve the development of theoretical models describing light-matter interaction using analytical and numerical methods, in close reference to modern experimental platforms such as optical lattices, traps, tweezers, and optical cavities.
• Analyzing simulation results and ongoing execution of tasks assigned by the project principal investigator (PI).
• Disseminating the obtained results, including writing scientific articles and actively participating in conferences and workshops.

Call Details and Application Process:

• NAWA call type: Polish Returns 2024 (Polskie Powroty).
• Application deadline: September 2, 2026.
• Results announcement deadline: September 7, 2026.
• Submission method: Electronically via email to arkadiusz.kosior@mail.umcs.pl (documents in PDF format).
• Email subject line: Please use the subject: "PhD student application: First Name Last Name".

Terms of employment:

• Workplace: Department of Theoretical Physics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin.
• Contract type: Employment based on a contract of mandate. Remuneration approx. PLN 6.500-8.000 gross, depending on the student's insurance status.
• Contract duration: 12 months (with the possibility of extension).
• Expected start date: October 2026.

Required documents:

• Cover letter.
• Curriculum vitae containing information on the candidate's scientific achievements (including any participation in research projects, authorship and co-authorship of publications, awards, scholarships, scientific experience).
• At least one recommendation letter issued by a senior researcher or academic staff member. Reviewers should send the letters directly to the e-mail address: arkadiusz.kosior@mail.umcs.pl; the candidate is responsible for arranging the delivery of the letters.
• A Copy of the Master's degree diploma (if it has not been awarded yet, a certificate from the thesis supervisor confirming the planned defense date is required).
• A certificate confirming the PhD student status (preferable fields of study in the discipline of physical sciences).

Candidate evaluation criteria:

• Interview – 30%
• Transcript of records from previous stages of study – 20%
• Knowledge of research methods and programming – 20%
• Scientific achievements – 15%
• Research experience – 15%

Selection Process and Final Provisions:

• Interview selection: As part of the competition procedure, we reserve the right to invite only selected candidates for an interview.
• Cancellation right: We also reserve the right to close the competition without selecting a candidate or to cancel the competition entirely.
• Evaluation: Candidates will be evaluated by the Selection Committee.
• Notification of results: The results of the competition will be sent to candidates electronically via email.
• Appeals: Decisions made by the Selection Committee are final and not subject to appeal.
• Reserve list: In the event that the selected candidate declines the contract of mandate, it will be awarded to the next highest-ranked candidate on the qualification list.

Equality Statement:

Maria Curie-Skłodowska University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applications are considered with equal care, regardless of gender identity, age, disability level, nationality, beliefs, ethnic origin, religion (or lack thereof), sexual orientation, or any other characteristics. In our commitment to building an academic environment based on equality, respect, and social responsibility, we have implemented a Gender Equality Plan and anti-discrimination procedures. We continuously strive to strengthen an inclusive academic culture.

Personal Data Protection:

1. The administrator of personal data is Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS/university) with its registered office in Lublin at pl. Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej 5, 20-031 Lublin.
2. The Data Protection Officer can be contacted in matters related to the processing of personal data at: iod@mail.umcs.pl
3. The data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the recruitment process for the position specified in the above competition announcement.
4. The full text of the information clause from Article 13 of the GDPR is available at https://www.umcs.pl/pl/rodo.htm.

Where to apply

E-mail: arkadiusz.kosior@mail.umcs.pl

Requirements

• Research Field: Physics
• Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
• Languages: English
• Level: Good

Additional Information

Selection process

• Interview selection: As part of the competition procedure, we reserve the right to invite only selected candidates for an interview.
• Cancellation right: We also reserve the right to close the competition without selecting a candidate or to cancel the competition entirely.
• Evaluation: Candidates will be evaluated by the Selection Committee.
• Notification of results: The results of the competition will be sent to candidates electronically via email.
• Appeals: Decisions made by the Selection Committee are final and not subject to appeal.
• Reserve list: In the event that the selected candidate declines the contract of mandate, it will be awarded to the next highest-ranked candidate on the qualification list.

Candidate evaluation criteria:

• Interview – 30%
• Transcript of records from previous stages of study – 20%
• Knowledge of research methods and programming – 20%
• Scientific achievements – 15%
• Research experience – 15%

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: Department of Theoretical Physics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin
• Country: Poland
• State/Province: Lublin
• City: Lublin
• Postal Code: 20-031
• Street: Pl.Marii Curie-Sklodowskiej 1

Contact

• City: Lublin
• Website: http://www.umcs.pl/
• Street: Pl. Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej 5
• Postal Code: 20-031
• E-Mail: arkadiusz.kosior@mail.umcs.pl