PhD Position
PhD offer in quantum electrodynamics for relativistic quantum chemistry
Position Description
As part of the collaborative mathematics/chemistry project MaQuI, we are hiring a PhD student (3 years) to work on questions related to quantum electrodynamics (QED) applied to quantum chemistry.
QED is, in principle, the most fundamental and precise physical theory to incorporate relativistic effects in quantum chemistry. However, practical methods for performing systematic calculations based on this theory for realistic molecular systems do not yet exist.
The project aims to develop new electronic structure methods, in particular within the framework of density functional theory (DFT), based on a variational formulation of QED.
The work may involve several complementary aspects, including theoretical and formal developments to derive new electronic structure methods from QED, more applied methodological developments such as the treatment of renormalization in a finite basis, and software implementation and development integrating the newly developed methods into quantum chemistry codes.
Candidate Profile
The candidate should hold a Master degree in theoretical chemistry or physics, or a related field such as applied mathematics, with strong skills in quantum mechanics and a keen interest in interdisciplinary interactions with mathematicians.
Working Environment
The PhD student will be hosted at the Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry, Sorbonne University and CNRS (4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris).
The PhD student will work primarily with Julien Toulouse (Sorbonne University and CNRS), in collaboration with Mathieu Lewin (CNRS and Université Paris Dauphine–PSL) and Éric Cancès (École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées, CNRS and Institut Polytechnique de Paris).
Starting Date
The position is expected to start from 01/10/2026.
Salary and Benefits
The salary is approximately 2300 euros gross per month, with the possibility to supplement income through a teaching assignment. The position includes 44 days of annual leave and RTT, as well as 75 percent coverage of public transport costs.
Application
Applicants should send a CV, the list of master's marks, and the names of two references to the following email address: