Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Light-Matter Interfaces and Molecular Quantum Optics

We are currently looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise related to modelling of the optical response of materials on the atomic scale. 

The successful candidate (m/f/d) will join a progressive Light and matter theory group at the Institute of Physics (FZU) of the Czech Academy of Science led by Tomáš Neuman. The team investigates light-matter interaction on the nanoscale, including the theoretical engineering of molecular emitters for quantum devices. The candidate will become a member of the QuantERA team working on the project MOLAR (MOLecular LAttice quantum electRodynamics). 

What you will do

  • Focus on the investigation of molecular emitters composed of single dye molecules or their aggregates using ab-initio methods. This will involve describing the molecule’s vibronic structure and engineering its emission properties e.g. by controlling the molecule’s environment, creating molecular aggregates etc.
  • Integrate results of ab-initio calculations into models addressing light-mater interaction, particularly in the context of photonic lattices where collective effects related to engineered long-range optical interactions emerge. This involves developing models accounting for the dynamics of the excitations in molecular emitters coupled to structured photonic baths
  • Participate in group meetings, preparation of manuscripts, and dissemination of results at conferences
  • Work in an international environment and collaborate with our partners

What we expect

  • PhD in physics, chemistry, or related field
  • Basic knowledge of ab-initio methods to address molecular excitations (e.g. Gaussian, NWChem or any other quantum-chemistry software)
  • Knowledge of quantum optics and related models and techniques or interest to learn them
  • Programming skills (e.g., Python, Matlab, FORTRAN, C, C++)
  • Advanced English (written and spoken)
  • Will to learn new techniques and approaches
  • Ability to join the team within a reasonably short time
  • Experience with advanced ab-initio modelling of molecules is an advantage
  • Practical experience in the field of quantum optics/photonics/plasmonics is an advantage

Why join us

  • Interesting work in cutting-edge research and development of atomic-scale optics 
  • Collaboration with international partners
  • Participation in multidisciplinary scientific projects 
  • 5 weeks of vacation + 6 days of personal leave 
  • Meal allowance, own canteen in the area 
  • After the first year of employment, contribution to pension and life insurance, contribution to recreation, culture or sports 
  • English lessons at the workplace 
  • Possibility to use the recreational facilities of the FZU in Krkonoše
  • Outdoor sports facilities (tennis, volleyball), Multisport card and other benefits
  • Find out more about us -  Why FZU?

It´s good to know

  • Place of work – Cukrovarnická, Prague 6 – Střešovice 
  • Start of employment ASAP
  • Full-time 
  • 1-year contract (possible extension until the end of the duration of the QuantERA project) 
  • We expect applications by: 31 Dec 2025
  • Interested candidates are invited to apply by sending the following documents via the application form: A cover letter detailing career objectives and research interests, curriculum vitae (CV), and transcripts of degrees/diplomas.
  • For additional information, please get in touch with Dr. Tomáš Neuman neuman [at] fzu [dot] cz (neuman[at]fzu[dot]cz).

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Department
Department of surfaces and molecular structures
Job type
Full time
Field of work
Scientific
Contact person
Monika Svobodová
Apply for position

FZU – Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic is a leading public research institution based in Prague.

FZU is the largest institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic with more than 1100 employees and focuses on basic and applied research in the field of physics. Our top researchers strive to understand and explain the basic phenomena and processes of how the world works and thus respond to the current scientific and technical challenges of our society.

As an employer, FZU supports equal opportunities and diversity. This approach helps to foster a positive work culture and creates a supportive environment for all employees. The principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded in our policies and hiring practices, providing a solid foundation for fair selection processes.

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We would like to inform you that by sending a reply to the advertisement, you provide the relevant administrator with your personal data for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure and concluding an employment contract or agreement (DPP, DPC) regarding the position you have chosen. This processing of your personal data will be carried out on the legal basis of the performance of a contract pursuant to Article 6 para. 1 lit. b) the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Your personal data will be processed only to the extent necessary and only for the duration of the selection procedure for the given position. The processing of your personal data will be sufficiently secured, your personal data will not be passed on to third parties without your consent. In accordance with applicable law, we inform you that you have the right to (i) access your personal data, (ii) correct or complete inaccurate or false personal data, (iii) to erasure of personal data, (iv) to restrict the processing of personal data in special cases, (v) to data portability, (vi) to object to processing and (vii) to contact the Office for Personal Data Protection.