Quench Dynamics of Topological Materials:
Dynamical Phase Transitions and Entanglement

A postdoctoral position for two years, starting from 1st April 2021 or soon after, is open within the theoretical physics department in the institute of physics in UMCS, Lublin. The proposed project will focus on the quantum dynamics of topological systems, focusing on dynamical phase transitions.

Project description: Quench dynamics offers a regime for highly non-equilibrium physics amenable to a general schema of classification and understanding. In contrast to the physics of systems in thermodynamic equilibrium, there is in general no way of bringing the phenomena of non-equilibrium situations into a coherent system. By focusing on particular types of dynamics in quantum systems progress has recently been made looking at, for example, quantum quenches for dynamical quantum phase transitions or thermalisation, and periodically driven systems. At the same time the discovery of topological phases has widened considerably the concept of equilibrium phases. In this project we propose to deepen and widen the current understanding of topological insulators out-of-equilibrium in their dynamics following a quench. The bulk-boundary correspondence relates the bulk topology of these systems to the existence of protected edge modes on their boundaries. One major focus of this project will be the role that these states play during time evolution, and how they modify the dynamics and the development of entanglement. Several different dynamical scenarios will be considered: Quenches and multiple sequential quenches, continuous and periodic driving, and dissipation. Periodic driving is known to potentially lead to new boundary modes which can further complicate the dynamics. Although quenches in one dimensional topological systems, and the role of the protected boundary modes has received some attention, very little to none has been done on 2D, 3D and higher order topological insulators. These systems, as well as topological systems including interaction effect which will allow for relaxation, will be one of the main focuses of this project.

The ideal candidate will

  1. have outstanding scientific achievements and experience with research projects;
  2. have documented scientific achievements in the field of dynamical phase transitions and topological insulators;
  3. have knowledge of analytical and/or numerical methods for quantum dynamics;
  4. have a very good/fluent knowledge of the English language;
  5. be able to present research results;
  6. be highly motivated to conduct research, have good communication skills, and the ability to work well in a team.

The position is covered by an OPUS project funded by the NCN in Poland. Renumeration is around 10,000 PLN gross per month (approx 2,200 euros). The earliest starting date is 1st April 2021 and the position will be for one year plus a possibel one year extension. Candidates must posses a PhD by the submission date.

Interested candidates should send the following documents

  1. application addressed to the Rector of UMCS;
  2. a copy of the doctoral diploma/degree, or another document confirming obtaining the academic degree of doctor
  3. personal questionnaire and curriculum vitae;
  4. list of scientific publications and list of scientific and organizational achievements;
  5. candidate's declaration that UMCS will be the primary place of work in the case of employment;
  6. a reference letter from of a person holding the academic title of professor or the academic degree of habilitated doctor (or equivalent) on scientific achievements in the field of exact and natural sciences;
  7. declaration of compliance with the requirements, pursuant to Art. 113 of the Act of July 20, 2018 Law on Higher Education and Science (Journal of Laws of 2020, item 85, as amended);
  8. the candidate's declaration that he / she agrees to the processing of personal data, in accordance with art. 6 sec. 1 lit. a) Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46 / EC (general regulation on the protection of personal data);

The application for the competition should be sent to:
Kierownik projektu: dr Nicholas Sedlmayr
Katedra Fizyki Teoretycznej
Instytut Fizyki, Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej
Pl. Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej 1, 20-031 Lublin
in a sealed envelope with the annotation "Concerns recruitment for the position of postdoc" or "Dotyczy naboru na stanowisko adiunkta badawczego". The deadline for submitted documents to be received (by post) is March 5th 2021 by 15.00.

For more information please conmtatc me directly at sedlmayr@umcs.pl.