Research Associate in Constrained Many-Body Systems Constrained Quantum Systems

Loughborough University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in theoretical physics, for a duration of three years. The successful candidate will join the Department of Mathematical Sciences to work with Dr. Achilleas Lazarides on the research project "Constrained Quantum Systems", funded by the Leverhulme Trust.

The project aims to open new directions in many-body quantum dynamics by systematically constructing and analysing quantum systems with kinetic constraints — a promising, yet largely undeveloped, mechanism for ergodicity breaking and slow dynamics without disorder. Drawing inspiration from classical kinetically constrained models of glassy behaviour, we will develop quantum analogues that feature irreducible constrained dynamics, spatial asymmetry, and novel forms of dynamical arrest.

Key goals include identifying mechanisms for slow relaxation and non-ergodicity in translation-invariant quantum systems; classifying constrained dynamical universality classes; and developing analytical and numerical tools capable of probing highly non-trivial many-body dynamics.

The project will employ a range of techniques, including exact diagonalisation, Krylov subspace dynamics, random matrix-inspired methods, perturbative and variational approximations, and rigorous constraint-based arguments. There is substantial scope for theoretical innovation in both model development and analytical/numerical approaches. 

We are looking for candidates with a strong research background in theoretical quantum many-body physics, statistical mechanics, non-equilibrium dynamics, or closely related areas. Applicants should have expertise in analytical and/or numerical methods for interacting quantum systems. Familiarity with constrained dynamics, kinetic constraints, glassy systems, or random matrix techniques would be an advantage but is not required. 

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the development of a new research direction at the interface of quantum dynamics and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics.

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Achilleas Lazarides Senior Lecturer in Applied Mathematics on A.Lazarides@lboro.ac.uk. 

For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.  

Closing Date: 08.06.2025

For guidance on how to write your applications to best demonstrate your skills to the recruiting team please see here.

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