Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Condensed Matter Theory and Quantum Information Science

Position Description

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral fellowship in the Quantum Matter Institute at The University of British Columbia, to work in the groups of Prof. Max McGinley and Prof. Carolyn Zhang.

The successful candidate will conduct theoretical research at the interface of condensed matter theory and quantum information science, and will be co-supervised by the two PIs. Topics of interest include topological phases and error correction, algorithms for quantum simulation, mixed-state phases of matter, quantum complexity, and many-body quantum dynamics, though the precise research direction will be flexible and guided by the candidate’s interests and expertise. Researchers will be given the freedom to pursue their own independent research projects in parallel, and are encouraged to collaborate with other postdocs and students in both groups, along with other researchers at the Quantum Matter Institute.

Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in physics or another relevant discipline. Experience in theoretical research in quantum many-body physics, quantum information and quantum computation, and condensed matter is desirable.

The Quantum Matter Institute is located on the beautiful Vancouver campus at UBC, and provides an active and dynamic research environment that spans the departments of Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry, and Electrical and Computer Engineering.

This appointment is for 3 years, with an expected start date of Fall 2027. The salary offered is $70,000 per year, plus a benefits package provided to postdoctoral fellows at UBC, which includes an extended health and dental plan. For details, see https://hr.ubc.ca/benefits. Funds will be available for researchers to travel to relevant conferences and workshops.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. Inclusion is built by individual and institutional responsibility through continuous engagement with diversity to inspire people, ideas, and actions for a better world. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuk, or Indigenous person. UBC acknowledges that certain circumstances may cause career interruptions that legitimately affect an applicant’s record of research or educational leadership achievement. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like consideration given to the impact of any circumstances, such as those due to health or family reasons, in order to allow for a fair assessment of their research productivity. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, and members of historically marginalized groups will be given special consideration.

If you have any needs or questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the job application, recruitment and hiring process or for more information and support, please visit UBC’s Center For Workplace Accessibility website at https://hr.ubc.ca/health-and-wellbeing/working-injury-illness-or-disability/centre-workplace-accessibility or contact the Centre at workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca. To learn more about how the University is working to create a more inclusive working and learning environment, please see the UBC Inclusion Action Plan’s goals related to recruitment and retention at: https://equity.ubc.ca/stear-framework-and-roadmap-for-change/ The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible work environment for all members of its workforce. Within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an accessible process for all candidates (including but not limited to disabled people). Confidential accommodations are available on request by contacting our HR Manager at hr@phas.ubc.ca.

Materials for application

A CV

A research statement (max. 2 pages excluding references)

Three letters of recommendation

Deadline: Monday 30th November 2026