PhD Research Fellow in Relativistic Quantum Reference Frames

About the position

The Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences has a vacancy for a 100% position as PhD Research Fellow in mathematical/theoretical physics from 5’th of January, 2026. 

The position is located at the Department of Science and Industry Systems and reports to the Head of Department. The place of employment is Kongsberg. The employment period will be three years of full time with no teaching obligations.

About the PhD-project

Quantum reference frames have become an important tool for understanding foundational issues in quantum theory, and more recently, the structure of observable algebras in quantum field theory. This project looks at time observables as quantum reference frames of both quantum mechanical and quantum field theoretic systems, described by covariant POVMs, and the role they play in for example the reduction of observable algebras from type III to type II von Neumann algebras. More generally, we will investigate quantum reference frames in quantum field theory and analyse the relational description thus arising. The candidate will also be encouraged to develop their own lines of thought. 

The main supervisor of the PhD project is Professor Leon Loveridge.

Qualifications

Applicants to the PhD position must have a Master’s degree (120 ECTS) equivalent higher education qualifications in Physics, Mathematics, or a closely related field. Having some experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered an advantage, but strong candidates with backgrounds in other areas of mathematics or physics are encouraged to apply as well: (mathematical) foundations of quantum mechanics, quantum information theory, quantum field theory, operator algebras. 

Personal suitability for the post will be emphasised. 

The degree must be accomplished before application deadline; in exceptional cases students in the process of finalizing their degree before the scheduled commencement of the position may also apply and can be offered a position conditional on a satisfactory result. 

It is a requirement that the successful applicant is granted admission to the university’s doctoral programme in Ecology (future Natural Sciences) within three months of accession in the position. For admission to the programme an average grade at master’s level of B or higher is usually required (or the corresponding grade in the system in which the applicant has undertaken their master’s studies).

Co-operation between staff members is an integrated part of the working atmosphere at the University of South-Eastern Norway. The candidate must be motivated and demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively within a team and in a collegiate manner to formulate and realise common objectives. The applicant must be able to demonstrate/document that they are fluent in English - orally and in writing, and may be asked to provide a valid certificate from one of the following tests:

• TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test (IBT). Minimum result: 90
• IELTS - International English Language Testing Service. Minimum result: 6.5
• Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) from Cambridge University 
• PTE Academic - Pearson Test of English Academic. Minimum result: 62

The following applicants are exempt from the above requirements: 

• Applicants with one year of completed university studies in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States 
• Applicants with a completed master's degree with English as the language of instruction in an EU/EEA country 
• Applicants who are exempt based on the Norwegian Directorate of Higher Education and Skills Higher Education Entrance Qualification (GSU) list 

Applicants from Norway can confirm their English proficiency by submitting their high school (videregående skole) diploma.

License or security clearance requirements

Employment in this position requires a license under the Export Control Act and the Export Control Regulations. Applicants must therefore state their citizenship and the citizenship of any spouse/partner in the application. Citizenship must also be documented, for example by attaching a copy of the passport. Applicants who hold citizenship in countries that make it likely that a license will not be granted, may be excluded from the further application process. The same applies to applicants who have a spouse/partner with citizenship in such countries, or where it is likely that a license will not be granted for other reasons.

We offer

• A stimulating and growing research environment, with good opportunities to develop your career and your academic skills 
• Career guidance throughout the entire PhD program, where we work with you to develop a career plan outlining the skills and knowledge you will acquire 
• An ambitious professional community and an inclusive working environment  
• Opportunity to take Norwegian language courses 
• Attractive welfare benefits in the State Pension Plan 
• Opportunity for physical activities within working hour

Salary

PhD Research Fellow (code 1017): NOK 550 800 a year. Further promotion will be based on time served in the position. In special cases, employment in code 1378 (NOK 546 569 – 685 728 a year) may be considered. 

A statutory contribution to the state pension plan will be deducted from the employee’s salary.

Additional information

The Academic Appointments Board for PhD Research Fellowships is responsible for the appointment. An expert assessment of applicants will be carried out. The candidates deemed best qualified will be invited to an interview. 

The person appointed must comply with the laws, regulations and agreements that apply at any given time to the post. Please note that an approved work permit is a prerequisite for employment. 

According to its human resources policy, the University of South-Eastern Norway targets a balanced gender composition and aims to recruit persons from diverse backgrounds. 

The University contributes to the Inkluderingsdugnaden (a voluntary scheme to promote inclusion), and it is our aim that our employees, to the fullest extent possible, shall reflect the diversity of the general population. We therefore encourage qualified applicants with disabilities to apply for the post. The University will facilitate the workplace for employees with disabilities. 

Pursuant to section 25, 2nd paragraph of the Freedom of Information Act, information on the applicant may be disclosed even if the applicant has requested not be included on the list of applicants. Applicants will be notified if such requests are not allowed

Contact information

For more information about the position, please contact:
Professor Leon Loveridge, leon.d.loveridge@usn.no

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact:
Advisor Tonje Holt Vøllestad, tonje.h.vollestad@usn.no

How to apply

The University of South-Eastern Norway makes use of online application management. Applicants to the post must register their application and CV with enclosures online via the Jobbnorge recruitment portal by clicking on the link on the right-hand side – “Søk stillingen” (Apply for the post). 

The following documents shall be attached to the online application: 

• Transcripts and diplomas of Bachelor's and Master's Degrees (120 ECTS), including a copy of the Master's thesis
• Other relevant certificates 
• A 1 page letter describing your motivation and suitability for the position (e.g., a brief description of your background, the kinds of problems you are interested in, why this post is of particular interest to you, any ideas you may have in relation to the topic of relativistic quantum reference frames, etc.) 
• Documentation of English proficiency 
• Any scientific publications and a list of these 
• Two references with contact information 

Please note that all documents must be in a Scandinavian language or in English. Any translations must be certified. 

If your higher education is from a university outside of Norway, we require it to be recognized by the Norwegian Directorate of Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir.). You must apply for the recognition before the application deadline for this position expires. To apply for recognition, you must submit your application digitally through HK-dir’s application portal. You can read more and access the portal here

Add a receipt on your application or recognition when applying. The recognition must be sent to us and is a requirement for being hired. 

The application will be assessed on the basis of the attached documentation as requested above. Each applicant is responsible for ensuring that the required documentation has been uploaded with the application deadline

About us

The University of Southeastern Norway (USN) ranks as the country's fourth largest higher education institution. We are a vibrant community of approximately 18,000 students and 1,900 employees.

. Video: https://vimeo.com/898549899/60305e2540