Postdoc in quantum condensed matter theory

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About the position

We are looking for a postdoctoral candidate with expertise in theoretical quantum condensed matter to work on challenges related to superconducting spintronics. The position is funded by the Norwegian Research Council under the project “Flexible Superconducting Spintronics: Geometric control of low-dissipation, long-distance information processing (SuperFlex)”.

The project leader will be Dr. Sol H. Jacobsen, and the position reports to the head of the Department of Physics. Recent research activities can be found at the group website: sites.google.com/view/soljacobsen. Focus areas for the group are determining geometric effects on superconducting transport, and the fundamentals of light-matter cavity coupling.

The position is open to start as soon as possible, with some flexibility for negotiation with the candidate. The position has a duration of three years, with the possibility of extending for up to one additional year if visiting an international collaborator, or providing teaching services to the Department of Physics.

The candidate will join and become part of an internationally leading research environment in quantum condensed matter theory and experiments, embedded in the QuSpin section of the Department of Physics, which hosts a Center of Excellence in Quantum Spintronics.

Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Sol Jacobsen, email: sol.jacobsen@ntnu.no

Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department. 

Duties of the position

The candidate will work with group members to develop theoretical frameworks for spin and charge transport in superconducting structures, and/or develop cavity-coupled systems. The candidate is expected to publish their work in international peer-reviewed journals. 

Required selection criteria

 

• Completion of a Norwegian doctoral degree in theoretical quantum condensed matter, quantum physics, quantum information or nanotechnology, or a corresponding international doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to such a Norwegian doctoral degree, is required. 
• The candidate must also have excellent written and verbal English communication skills.

PLEASE NOTE: For detailed information about what the application must contain, see paragraph “About the application”.

If you do not already have educational competence that meets the requirements for a position as associate professor in Norway, NTNU will arrange for you to acquire such competence during the employment period. In such cases, you will also be assigned relevant teaching as part of the career-promoting work.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions and Regulations concerning the degrees of philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) in artistic development work at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)for general criteria for the position.

Preferred selection criteria

• Competence in the theory of superconductivity, quantum transport and/or quantum information/cavity physics will be advantageous.
• Competence in numerical modelling will be needed.

Personal characteristics

• We are seeking a candidate who is independent, takes initiative and excels in problem solving. 
• The candidate should contribute to a supportive and friendly working environment, and actively participate in teamwork and collaborations.

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

We offer 

 

• An exciting job with an important social mission
• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment 
• Career guidance throughout the postdoctoral program and together with you we will prepare a career plan, which contains the skills and knowledge you will acquire
• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues 
• Favorable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund

As a Postdoctoral Fellow at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits.

Diversity

Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity in society and that makes use of the potential of the population's collective skills. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world and our values ​​are creative, critical, constructive and respectful. We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse and gender-balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals.

We strive to attract employees with different skills, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to even better problem solving of our societal mission in research and education.

If you think this position is relevant and interesting, we encourage you to apply, regardless of gender, functional ability and cultural background, or whether you have been out of work for a period of time.

Salary and conditions

As a Postdoctoral Fellow (code 1352) you are normally paid from gross NOK 633 400,- per annum before tax. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 - 4 years, depending on whether there is a need to include courses within educational competence.

As an employee at NTNU, it is important to keep yourself up to date with academic and organizational changes and to adapt to them. 

For the necessary professional and social interaction, it is a prerequisite that you are physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis.

The appointment is carried out in accordance with the principles of the State Employees Act, and Export control (legislation that regulates the export of knowledge, technology and services). Candidates who, after assessment of the application and attachments, are considered to bein conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed

About the application 

The attachments (including a description of your scientific work) must accompany the application as these documents form the basis of the application assessment. The documents must be in  English. 

Please note: the application will only be assessed on the basis of the information we have received by the application deadline. Therefore, make sure that your application clearly shows how your skills and experience meet the criteria described above.

The application and all attachments must be sent electronically via Jobbnorge.no. If you are invited to an interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas upon request. 

The application must include:

• A cover letter outlining your research goals and how your experience complements the goals of the group
• Name and contact information of three referees
• Your CV
• Diplomas and Certificates
• A publication list including non-self citation rates. 
• A 1-page document summarizing your three most significant publications

If all or parts of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education. Description of the documentation required can be found here. If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), please attach this as well.

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

If you have had leave or another break in your career, it is important that this is stated in your application so that the selection committee can take this into account and that the amount of your research may be reduced as a result.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal qualities. Motivation, ambitions and potential for research will also be emphasized in the assessment of the candidates.

NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and is committed to follow evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment DORA and the obligations in CoARA (responsible assessment of research and recognition of a greater breadth of academic contributions in accordance with NTNU's social mission).

General information 

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to be exempt from entry on the public list of applicants, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the exemption is not granted.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact researcher Sol H. Jacobsen email:  sol.jacobsen@ntnu.no. 

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR Magnus Gautvik , email: magnus.gautvik@ntnu.no.

If you find this position interesting, and in accordance with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.

Application deadline: 05.10.2025

For practical information about working at NTNU, please visit this webpage. 

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the tech capital of Norway with a population of 200,000.The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.