Postdoctoral Position in Physics
University of California Berkeley
United States

Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position:: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2023-24/oct-2023-acad-salary-scales/t23.pdf.
A reasonable estimate for this position is $67,000 - $73,000.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: 09/01/2024

Position duration: 2 years with the possibility of renewal depending on performance and availability of funding

Application Window

The quantum measurement group at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBL) and the Muller group at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) are seeking a postdoc to carry out theoretical work related to quantum gravity and its potential consequences for experiment. We are pursuing ways in which the quantization of gravity could affect measurements.

Recent work has led to a series of proposals for experiments which can test aspects of the quantization of the gravitational field in tabletop settings, for example, tests of the generation of entanglement and quantum mechanical time-reversibility of non-relativistic gravitational interactions.

We are seeking a postdoc interested in developing theoretical predictions for these experiments, including detailed calculations in the standard effective field
theory picture of low-energy quantum gravity as well as alternative models such as those where gravity is “classical”. Other topics of interest include aspects of quantum measurement theory and the presence of observers in the context of gravity (in both low energy and ultraviolet settings), and possible applications to experiments.

The postdoctoral researcher will perform theoretical work related to quantum information in the gravitational sector, with a particular emphasis on relation to quantum measurements and possible tests of the quantization of gravity. Recent work has led to a series of proposals for experiments which can test aspects of the quantization of the gravitational field in tabletop settings, for example, tests of the generation of entanglement and quantum mechanical time-reversibility of non-relativistic gravitational interactions.

The postdoc will be tasked with developing theoretical predictions for these experiments, including detailed calculations in the standard effective field theory picture of low-energy quantum gravity as well as alternative models such as those where gravity is “classical”.

Other topics of interest include aspects of quantum measurement theory in the context of gravity (in both low energy and ultraviolet settings), and possible applications to experiments.

The primary supervisor will be Daniel Carney and will also include close collaboration with Holger Muller group on campus . The position will be held jointly between UCB and LBL.

labor: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/px/index.html

Lab: https://qquest.lbl.gov/~carney/

Lab: https://matterwave.physics.berkeley.edu/

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

PhD or equivalent international degree, or enrolled in a PhD or equivalent international degree granting program.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

A PhD degree or equivalent international degree

The candidate should have no more than three years of post-degree research experience.

Preferred qualifications

Candidates with a background in high-energy, gravitational, and/or quantum information are particularly encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will be able to work independently, with substantial room to propose and execute their own projects, as well as in a team setting with some project-oriented guidance.

• 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04174

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The excellence of the institution requires an environment in which the diverse community of faculty, students, and staff are welcome and included. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skill related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g., teaching, research, and service, as applicable).

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Berkeley, CA