King's College London

About us

Applicants are sought for a postdoctoral position at the interface of quantum chemistry, condensed matter physics and quantum information theory, for research into novel computational methodology for correlated electronic structure problems. 

The position will be held at King’s College London, in the research group of Prof. George Booth, with the project also embedded within a wider EPSRC-NSF funded collaboration with research groups at Indiana University and Virginia Tech in the US. 

The position will be held within the Theory and Simulation of Condensed Matter group, part of the department of Physics, which belongs to the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences (NMES), located on the Strand campus of KCL. 

The candidate will be part of an active research environment for numerical and analytical approaches to quantum many-body systems, in addition to the wider inter-disciplinary collaboration. Excellent opportunities for interactions also exist in an established and active London-based materials and molecular modelling environment.

About the role

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral research associate, keen to work in a team, and be embedded in a wider project involving the development of scalable computational methods for correlated electronic structure theory. 

The project aims to broadly exploit emerging quantum information resource-theoretic ideas to extend the scope of existing electronic structure methodology towards correlated systems across chemistry and physics applications, in particular for ground state and spectral simulation. 

Applicants are expected to have a PhD, or are awaiting its award, in a relevant area (Theoretical/Computational Physics or Chemistry), and experience in the area of quantum many-body theory, its development or implementation, from a quantum chemistry, condensed matter physics or quantum information theory perspective. The successful applicant will be expected to work within a collaborative cross-disciplinary project, and actively contribute to the success of this collaboration.  

Key responsibilities, beyond the primary role of contributing to internationally-leading research in many-electron theory, include the development and maintenance of computer software, active collaboration, leadership and mentorship of more junior group members, as well as contributions to effective research culture and effective dissemination of the project outputs.

This is a full time post and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31st August 2029 in the first instance. Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development.

For an informal discussion on suitability for the role, please contact Prof George Booth at george.booth@kcl.ac.uk.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria 

1.      PhD awarded in theoretical physics/chemistry or related subject, or PhD near completion*  

2.      A background of quantum chemistry, condensed matter physics and/or quantum information theory development. 

3.      Experience and track-record of developing, implementing or using quantum many-body modelling methodology. 

4.      The ability to communicate scientific concepts clearly both orally and in writing. 

5.      A demonstrable record of scientific code development using modern structured and modular development practices and tools. 

Desirable criteria

1.      Effective teamwork within scientific collaborations 

Downloading a copy of our Job Description 

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 

Further Information

At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university. 

The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension.

We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.

When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly, and we recognise its growing role in professional work. Applicants may use AI tools to support preparation of their application, for example to research the role or structure written responses. However, applications must reflect the applicant’s own work and experience. AI tools should not be used during interviews or assessment activities unless this has been agreed in advance as a reasonable adjustment. Further guidance on the use of AI in recruitment can be found here.

We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day.

We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.