PhD Position in the Theory of Interacting Phases in Quantum Dot Chains

Job description

We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate to join as a PhD researcher on a joint theory project between the Wimmer group (QuTech) and the Chepiga group (Department of Quantum Nanoscience).

In recent years, experimentalists have developed novel nanodevices based on quantum dots and superconductors. These devices have been used to study exotic superconductivity and Majorana physics. A striking feature of these systems is the presence of strong Coulomb interactions—indeed, the interaction energy is the largest energy scale in the system! However, theoretical work to date has largely neglected these interactions.

In this PhD project, you will explore the role of strong interactions in superconducting quantum dot devices and investigate interacting phases of matter in this new class of experimentally realizable systems.

You will benefit from the complementary expertise of the two research groups: the Wimmer group’s focus on quantum nanodevices and the Chepiga group’s expertise in numerical simulations of strongly-correlated systems. You will learn and apply state-of-the-art numerical methods to tackle these challenging interacting systems and uncover new physical phenomena.

In addition, you will be embedded in a vibrant research environment with a broad range of theoretical projects and close collaboration with experimental groups.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree in physics, applied physics, or a related discipline at the time of starting the position.
• A strong interest in theoretical work, demonstrated, for example, by a theoretical Master’s thesis.
• Programming experience in MATLAB, Python or Julia.
• Familiarity with numerical methods for interacting systems (e.g., density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) and tensor networks) is a plus, but not required.
• Proficiency in English, as required by the Graduate School’s Admission Requirements.
  
  

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

QuTech

QuTech is a mission-driven research institute run jointly by Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO). Together, we work on a radically new technology with world-changing potential, developing scalable prototypes of a quantum computer and an intrinsically safe quantum internet.

We are creating the quantum future, and we believe that quantum technology will be a game changer in many social and economic sectors – including health, agriculture, climate and safety. To achieve our ambitious goals, we bring together scientists, engineers and industry in an inspiring environment, with plenty of space for ambition, entrepreneurship and innovation. Our research and engineering activities are conducted in three divisions: Quantum Computing, Quantum Internet and Qubit Research. 220 FTE and over 300 curious people work in our divisions and support teams, and we actively welcome new colleagues who share our vision and enthusiasm.

Have a look at our video and get a glimpse of QuTech.

Conditions of employment 
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. 

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.  

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Michael Wimmer at M.T.Wimmer@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 13 July 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter
• Contact details of at least two references

You can address your application to Michael Wimmer.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services