PhD Student - Theoretical electron spin resonance with scanning tunneling microscopy (Open)

The project is focused on the development of theoretical and computational tools for the simulation of continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed ESR-STM experiments, with the aim of providing a quantitative description of ongoing experimental work and contributing to the interpretation of measured spin dynamics at the atomic scale.

The successful candidate will work on the development of efficient simulation software for ESR-STM based on a quantum master equation (QME) approach, derived from an expansion in the impurity–electrode hopping terms within a non-equilibrium Green’s function (NEGF) framework. The research will combine quantum theory, numerical modelling, and software development, and will be closely connected to current experiments.

The PhD project will include:

• Theoretical modelling of ESR-STM in stationary and time-dependent regimes
• Development of simulation tools for CW and pulsed driving protocols
• Implementation of efficient numerical methods in Python
• Comparison between theory and experiment
• Analysis of spin dynamics, relaxation, decoherence, and transport signatures in ESR-STM

Applicants should have:

• A strong background in quantum mechanics
• Solid Python programming skills
• Interest in theoretical condensed matter physics, quantum transport, and numerical simulation
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team
• Good written and oral communication skills in English.

Experience in one or more of the following areas will be positively valued:

• Open quantum systems
• Quantum master equations
• Non-equilibrium Green’s functions
• Many-body theory
• Numerical methods in theoretical physics
• Simulation of driven quantum systems.

• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: 2026/05/01

We provide a highly stimulating research environment, and unique professional career development opportunities.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The team is both performing theoretical and experimental ESR-STM work.

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and a brief statement of interest to the following application email below. 

Reference letters are welcome but not indispensable.

The reference of the specific opening to which the candidate is applying should be stated in the subject line, and the application must be received before the application deadline.

Although candidates are welcome to contact the project supervisors to know further details about the proposed research activity, please be aware that the application will be evaluated only if it is submitted directly to the email address listed below as application email.

• Reference: 2026/20
• Application deadline: 2026/04/20
• Application email: jobs.research@dipc.org

Applications received by the deadline will be evaluated by a Committee designed by the DIPC board on the basis of the following criteria:

• CV of the candidate (60%)
• Adequacy of the candidate’s scientific background to the project (20%)
• Reference letters (10%)
• Other: Diversity in gender, race, nationality, etc. (10%)

Evaluation results will be communicated to the candidates soon after. Positions will only be filled if qualified candidates are found.

The DIPC may revoke its decision if the candidate fails to join by the appointed time, in which case the position will be awarded to the candidate with the next highest score, provided it is above 50 (out of 100).

However, the selected candidate may keep the position if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, the candidate duly justifies the reasons why he or she cannot join before the specified deadline, and as long as the project allows it.