Post-doctoral Scholar in Qubits and Spacetime Unit (Hoehn Unit)
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST; see www.oist.jp) is a dynamic graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The school is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking beautiful shorelines and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding (OIST campus video tour). There are no academic departments, which facilitates cross-disciplinary research. Superb resources and equipment are provided and managed to encourage easy access and collaboration. English is the official language of the university, and the research community is fully international, with more than 50 countries represented. After only ten years, OIST is rapidly gaining recognition in the worldwide academic community as a model for excellence in research, education, and innovation.
Unit summary:
One 3-year postdoctoral position will become available in September 2021 in the Qubits and Spacetime Unit led by Philipp Hoehn. The research of the unit lies broadly at the interface of quantum gravity, quantum information and foundations, focusing on general questions in an around quantum gravity. Current research interests include studying dynamics and observables in a diffeomorphism-invariant context, using quantum reference systems to explore a quantum version of general covariance, equilibrium and non-equilibrium spacetime thermodynamics, the interplay of quantum correlations and spacetime geometry, entanglement in gauge systems, as well as the emergence of classicality from within quantum theory, especially in the presence of chaos. For further information on some of these topics, see https://groups.oist.jp/quast. Candidates with an interest in any of these or related topics are encouraged to apply.
OIST currently harbors three further units in quantum gravity or related topics in mathematical physics, headed by Shinobu Hikami, Yasha Neiman and Reiko Toriumi. Furthermore, the institute regularly hosts international workshops, seminars and visitors in this area, providing for a stimulating research environment. The unit will provide support for traveling and hosting collaborators.
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University was established in 2011 to contribute to the development of science and technology worldwide and to serve as a hub of innovation in Okinawa. OIST is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan which offers a 5-year PhD program and brings together outstanding researchers from across the country and across disciplines to conduct cutting-edge scientific research.
The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking a beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding. To facilitate multidisciplinary research, there are no academic departments. Outstanding resources and equipment are provided and managed to encourage easy access and collaboration.
English is the official language of the University, and the university research community is fully international, with more than 50 countries represented. OIST is rapidly gaining recognition in the worldwide academic community as a model for excellence in education and research, and our unwavering commitment to scientific and technological innovation is dedicated to generating progress that will fuel Okinawa's economic growth.
The successful candidate will contribute to the research program of the Qubits and Spacetime Unit, but is also encouraged to carry out self-designed projects. Active participation in group seminars and meetings is expected, as well as in assisting with their organization. The successful candidate may also contribute to mentoring students.
(Required)
1. Completed PhD in theoretical physics or mathematics by the time of employment.
2. Background in one or several of the following topics: quantum gravity, quantum information, quantum field theory, quantum foundations, quantum many-body physics or mathematical physics.
3. Fluency in English.
Compensation: In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations
Benefits:
Relocation, housing and commuting allowances
Annual paid leave and summer holidays
Health insurance (Private School Mutual Aid http://www.shigakukyosai.jp/ )
Welfare pension insurance (kousei-nenkin)
Worker's accident compensation insurance (roudousha-saigai-hoshou-hoken)
1. Cover letter
2. Research statement including summary of past achievements and future research plans
3. Curriculum vitae including publication list
4. Three letters of reference
- OIST Graduate University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, students and staff. The University strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
- Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential, documents will not be returned. All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their applications.
- Please view OIST policy for rules on external professional activities
- Further details about the University can be viewed on the OIST website www.oist.jp.
Full-time, fixed-term appointment for 3 years. Contract initially with 3-months probationary period (inclusive).
9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)