PhD Position in Lattice Field Theory as Part of the EuroPLEx Network

The fellowship is available at CP3-Origins in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Southern Denmark in the group of Professor Claudio Pica. The PhD project will be concerned with exploring strongly coupled extensions of the Standard Model. Rigorous numerical methods based on lattice field theory will be employed to investigate the non-perturbative dynamics of the candidate models and to obtain quantitative information in order to test the models against experiment.

The expected start date is 1 January 2022. Application deadline: 10 December 2021.

The postgraduate fellowship is funded by the European Union H2020 programme through the European network for Particle physics, Lattice field theory and Extreme computing (EuroPLEx), the recently approved Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (MSCA-ITN). The Europlex network involves leading European Lattice Field Theory groups based at the following institutions: (Denmark) University of Southern Denmark, (Germany) University of Bielefeld, University of Regensburg, Humboldt University Berlin, (Ireland) Trinity College Dublin, (Italy) University of Parma, (Spain) Autonomous University Madrid (UAM), (UK) University of Edinburgh and Swansea University.

The research performed within the network aims to
• Perform precision tests of the Standard Model.
• Investigate Beyond the Standard Model candidate theories.
• Probe the QCD phase diagram.
• Non-perturbatively study theoretical aspects of Quantum Field Theories.

The research provides a solid training in the analytical skills needed in quantum field theory and in particle physics phenomenology, as well as in high performance computing and in software development.

The fellowships are funded for up to three years with a salary corresponding to an early stage researcher (ESR) position with the gross monthly living allowance of EURO 3,270 per month modified by the EU correction coefficient for the country of recruitment. In addition, a mobility allowance of EURO 600 per month will be paid, and, depending on marital status, possibly another EURO 500 per month of family allowance. The ESR salary is subject to local tax, social benefit and other deductions which differ widely between countries and may be substantial (above 40%).

Candidates are expected to have a very good Master's degree in Physics or related areas at the time of the commencement of employment. They must be eligible under the H2020 ITN mobility rules, specifically the researcher cannot have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before the recruitment date (see the H2020 guide for applicants).

The complete applications (CV, description of research interests and, if applicable, list of publications, two letters of recommendation) must be sent both by e-mail to [email protected] and by completing the online application form at SDU.

The network is strongly committed to equal opportunity and diversity.

Information provided by the applicants will be used and processed for the purpose of recruiting and selecting the EuroPLEx fellows in compliance with the provisions of GDPR (UE reg. 2016/679) and Italian DL 196/2003.

This position is subject to the entry into force of grant agreement no 813942 by and between the Research Executive Agency (REA) and The University og Southern Denmark and thereby funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme.

For further information please contact Professor Claudio Pica by e-mail: [email protected].

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary and taxation.

The successful candidate will be enrolled at this university in accordance with faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Application must be made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:
• A research proposal/description of your approach to the above project (max one page excluding references)
• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) (please attach this under box "Application form")
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades
• At least two signed reference letters. Should your referees wish to send their letters directly to us, please have them use e-mail: [email protected] mentioning your name and the title of the position in the subject line. And please note that these also need to reach us before deadline.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.

Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply online". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF or Word format. Each box can only contain a single file of max. 10 Mb. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply before you apply.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Further information for international applicants considering applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark. Please take a look at the webpage from our International Staff Office (ISO) at The University of Southern Denmark.