PhD student in Scientific Computing and Quantum Physics, focusing on numerical algorithms for open quantum systems

Are you interested in contributing to cutting-edge research that could accelerate progress toward quantum computers? Are you interested in working on problems at the intersection of scientific computing, applied mathematics, and quantum physics, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employeeship and offers safe, favorable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a PhD position at Uppsala University.

The position is hosted by the Division of Scientific Computing (TDB) within the Department of Information Technology. The project will be jointly supervised and funded by the Division of Scientific Computing and the Division of Materials Theory in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

The Department of Information Technology holds a leading position in both research and education at all levels. We are currently Uppsala University's third largest department, with 350 employees, including 120 teachers and 120 PhD students. Approximately 5,000 undergraduate students take one or more courses at the department each year. You can find more information about us on the Department of Information Technology website.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy has nearly 400 employees, of whom about 100 are doctoral students. The department conducts world-class research and education in both theoretical and experimental physics and has extensive collaboration with the outside world. The research is carried out at nine research departments and touches on everything from the unimaginably small to the large in areas such as energy supply, climate change, new materials and the universe. This entire spectrum is also reflected in the department's courses and educational programs. Around 2,500 students take courses at undergraduate and advanced level at the department every year. Read more here.

Project description
This PhD project focuses on advancing the scientific computing foundations of quantum spin dynamics by developing efficient numerical algorithms for modeling complex, open quantum systems. The work combines numerical mathematics and quantum theory to simulate 2D and 3D spin textures and to quantify quantum effects such as coherence, entanglement, and dissipation. The candidate will design scalable numerical methods for quantum master equations, implement high-performance simulations, and help build open-source tools for large-scale spin-system modeling. By improving our ability to compute and understand quantum spin behavior, this project also supports the long-term development of quantum computers, where controlling noisy, interacting quantum systems is a central challenge.

Duties
The PhD student is expected to devote their time mainly to graduate education. The remainder of the duties may involve teaching at the IT Department as well as small administrative tasks (at most 20%).

Requirements
Entry requirements for doctoral education are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance. To meet the general entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must:

• hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in a related field,
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

The University may permit an exemption from the general entry requirements for an individual applicant, if there are special grounds (Chapter 7, § 39 of the Higher Education Ordinance). For special entry requirements, please see the subject’s general study plan. 

We are looking for candidates with:

• a strong interest in numerical methods, good understanding of classic and quantum physics, and proficiency in mathematical modeling/analysis,
• good communication skills with sufficient proficiency in oral and written English
• excellent study results
• programming proficiency

Additional qualifications
Experience and courses in one or more of the following subjects are valued: numerical analysis for differential equations, numerical linear algebra, quantum physics, and programming.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines. 

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1 March 2026 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala. 

For further information about the position, please contact: 
Davoud Mirzaei, email: davoud.mirzaei@it.uu.se
Olle Eriksson, email: olle.eriksson@physics.uu.se
Biplab Sanyal, email: biplab.sanyal@physics.uu.se
Vahid Azimi-Mousolou, email:  vahid.azimi-mousolou@physics.uu.se
Anna Delin, email: annadel@kth.se
Head of division Elisabeth Larsson, email: elisabeth.larsson@it.uu.se

Please submit your application by 30 January 2026, UFV-PA 2025/3838.

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