Career Center

 Apply via Interfolio at:   http://apply.interfolio.com/120196

Physics Department

August 23, 2023

The Quantum Thermodynamics Group in the Department of Physics at UMBC invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work under the mentorship of Dr. Sebastian Deffner. This postdoctoral position is part of the newly founded Maryland Quantum Thermodynamics Hub, which is generously supported by the John Templeton Foundation.

The postdoc will conduct theoretical research on the dynamical emergence of classical objectivity. Objectivity is a matter of consensus achieved by independent observers. It has been recognized that classical objectivity is an emergent property explicable through every measurement’s interception of only a small fraction of the environment and all fractions’ carrying the same, classical information. This emergence of classical objectivity is known as quantum Darwinism. From a dynamical perspective, two questions arise: (i) Over which time scales does classical objectivity emerge from purely quantum dynamics? (ii) Over which time scales does equilibration overrule quantum Darwinism? The postdoc will be working towards comprehensive answers to these questions. In addition, the postdoc will be encouraged to pursue original lines of research under the umbrella of broader quantum thermodynamics.

The start date is expected to at the beginning of the next academic year, August-September 2023. The initial appointment is for one year, but renewal for up to 2 years is anticipated, subject to performance and funding. Candidates should have a PhD in Physics, and a proven track record in open quantum dynamics, decoherence, and/or quantum Darwinism. The Quantum Thermodynamics Group is highly active, with 2-3 graduate students and 4-5 undergraduate researchers at any given time. Candidates with an interest in teaching and mentoring will be provided with opportunities to further their experience where feasible.

UMBC and the Department of Physics are dedicated to creating an inclusive, collegial environment where all faculty members can achieve excellence. Thus, candidates from diverse backgrounds, including women and under-represented minorities, are particularly encouraged to apply. Interest and experience in working with a diverse student and faculty population is valued. The Department of Physics has an active Graduate Women in Physics group and an Undergraduate Women and Gender Minorities in Physics group, and has ties with the nationally acclaimed Meyerhoff Scholars Program. UMBC is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Interested candidates should upload a cover letter, CV, research statement (one page), statement on commitment to inclusive excellence (one page), professional development plan (one page) and the names and contact information for at least two references to the Interfolio website at http://apply.interfolio.com/120196.

UMBC, an honors university serving more than 14,000 undergraduates and 2,000 graduate students, is one of two public universities in Maryland to achieve the “doctoral/research university-extensive” Carnegie classification. Located just outside Baltimore and 45 minutes from Washington, DC, the campus is growing rapidly under dynamic leadership.

Our UMBC community redefines excellence in higher education through an inclusive culture that connects innovative teaching and learning, research across disciplines, and civic engagement. We will advance knowledge, economic prosperity, and social justice by welcoming and inspiring inquisitive minds from all backgrounds. The successful candidate will join a department with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence, and will be expected to contribute actively to these efforts (https://diversity.umbc.edu/).