Developing machine learning methods for many-body quantum physics can help us solve generic many-body quantum models, as well as study diverse phenomena in strongly-correlated electron systems. As a PhD Candidate, you will focus on developing these machine learning models to push this emerging field forward.

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled candidate with a strong background in theoretical physics or computer science to join us in our effort to develop machine learning methods for many-body quantum physics. Our primary goal is to push this emerging field forwards to the point where deep learning could be universally used for solving generic many-body quantum models and studying diverse phenomena in strongly correlated electron systems, such as superconductivity or spin liquids. Your research will be balanced between method development and addressing concrete physical questions. You will work as a member of the Theory of Condensed Matter group at the Institute for Molecules and Materials at Radboud University under the supervision of Dr Andrey Bagrov and Prof. Mikhail Katsnelson and in a close collaboration with other PhD candidates. You will also have some moderate teaching duties such as serving as an assistant at problem classes and grading homework (~3-4 hours per week every second term).

• You have obtained a MSc. degree in theoretical physics or computer science.
• You have good programming skills. Familiarity with machine learning is beneficial but not essential.
• You have experience with numerical methods (e.g. as part of an internship or hobby project). Experience with high performance computing is a plus, but not essential.
• You have a keen interest in quantum physics.
• You are proficient in written and spoken English.

Fixed-term contract: 4 or 5 years.

• Employment for 0.8 (5 year contract) - 1.0 FTE (4 year contract).
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,434 per month based on a 38-hour working week, and will increase to €3,111 from the fourth year onwards (salary scale P).
• You will recieve 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will be employed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract) or 3.5 years (5 year contract).
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services. Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment  and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
• Working for us means getting extra days off. In case of full-time employment, you can choose between 29 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the legally allotted 20.

Additional employment conditions Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

The position is available at the Theory of Condensed Matter of the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM) at the Faculty of Science (FNWI). The group's research aims are to predict and explain the properties of condensed matter, ranging from structural and dynamical properties of atomic lattices to topological and interaction phenomena of electrons. To this end, we utilise and develop advanced mathematical frameworks and state-of-the-art numerical approaches including quantum field theory descriptions, machine learning algorithms, ab initio calculations, and their combinations.

IMM is a research institute in chemistry and physics that promotes interdisciplinary research. Its mission is to design and create functional molecules and materials to fundamentally understand their behaviour. IMM consists of 24 research groups active in fields ranging from condensed matter physics to organic chemistry and biochemistry. It focuses on fundamental research with an open eye to societal applications and trains the next generation of leaders in science and innovation. You will have the opportunity to interact with researchers at IMM and participate in institute-wide activities.

The Faculty of Science is a complete, student-oriented science faculty where research and teaching are closely intertwined. The faculty aims to be an academic community with an international character where employees from different backgrounds combine their talents with the goal of being a leading science faculty in Europe.

Radboud University
We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 24,000 students and 5,600 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent, collaboration and lifelong learning. You have a part to play!