Strongly correlated quantum systems are among the most challenging problems in modern physics. In these systems, interactions between electrons or spins lead to complex collective phenomena such as phase transitions, spontaneous symmetry breaking, metastable states, and emergent many-body dynamics. Understanding these phenomena is essential for the study of quantum materials, including systems exhibiting charge-density waves, unconventional electronic orders, and complex domain structures. However, the dynamics of such systems are often extremely difficult to simulate using conventional computational methods.
Recent advances in quantum technologies provide new opportunities for studying these systems using programmable quantum devices. Platforms such as quantum annealers, neutral-atom arrays, and digital quantum computers enable direct experimental exploration of interacting many-body systems and non-equilibrium quantum phenomena that are otherwise inaccessible to classical simulations.
The research within this PhD program will focus on developing methods for quantum simulation of strongly correlated systems and quantum materials across multiple computational platforms. The candidate will work on modelling interacting spin and electronic systems relevant to real materials and implementing these models using a combination of classical high-performance computing, analog quantum simulators, and digital quantum circuits.
A particular focus of the research will be the study of non-equilibrium many-body dynamics and metastable electronic states in correlated materials, including systems such as the layered charge-density-wave compound 1T-TaS₂. The work will include the development of minimal theoretical models describing electronic domain structures and their dynamics, as well as the design of quantum simulations capable of probing these phenomena on programmable quantum hardware.
The candidate will gain experience in theoretical condensed-matter physics, numerical many-body simulations on high-performance computing systems, and quantum computing methods. The work will involve collaboration with international experimental groups and interaction with leading quantum-computing platforms.
Related work:
[1] Vodeb, J., Diego, M., Vaskivskyi, Y. et al. Non-equilibrium quantum domain reconfiguration dynamics in a two-dimensional electronic crystal and a quantum annealer. Nat Commun 15, 4836 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-49179-z
[2] Vodeb, J., Desaules, JY., Hallam, A. et al. Stirring the false vacuum via interacting quantized bubbles on a 5,564-qubit quantum annealer. Nat. Phys. 21, 386–392 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-024-02765-w
Field: Quantum Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Quantum Computing
Position: PhD student
Key Research Areas:
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Quantum simulation of strongly correlated systems
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Non-equilibrium many-body dynamics
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Quantum materials and electronic phase transitions
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Analog and digital quantum computing platforms
Requirements:
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Master’s degree in Physics, Applied Physics, or a related field;
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Strong background in quantum mechanics and condensed-matter physics;
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Proficient written and oral communication skills in English;
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively;
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Motivation to contribute to cutting-edge research in quantum technologies.
Contact:
Interested candidates should send their CV and cover letter to Dr. Jaka Vodeb at jaka.vodeb@ijs.si