Group Leader position in Neutral Atoms Applications

INSTITUTION: Center for Theoretical Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences

CITY: Warsaw

POSITION: Team Leader – research group leader

DISCIPLINE: Physics

POSTED: 2026-04-01

EXPIRES: 2026-05-17

WEBSITE: https://www.cft.edu.pl

KEY WORDS:

• Quantum technologies
• Rydberg atoms
• Quantum computing with neutral atoms
• Quantum simulation
• Quantum information

Reference no.: Msz/29/2025

Place: Warszawa, PL

Salary: ca. PLN 17 000 – 21 000/month gross (ca. PLN 13 000 – 16 000/month net)

Number of posts: 1

Mode of work: on-site

Position available since 01.05.2026 for the period of 36 months (possible extension to an indefinite period).

Important deadlines:

Document admission deadline: 31.01.2026
Results deadline: 30.04.2026 r.
Source of financing: EUCENTRAL: CENTER FOR QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES MODELLING – [HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-TALENTS-01-01] — [ERA Chair] project financed by the European Commission (agreement no.: 101186579).

Project website: https://eucentral.cft.edu.pl/

About the project and us

The Center for Quantum-Enabled Computing project’s overarching objective is to address several key challenges in the field of computing by paving the way to a verifiable, energy-efficient, reliable, and scalable computational advantage based on quantum systems.

Project temporary website: https://remik24-web.github.io/QT-website/

The candidates are welcome to inquire about the project details, research agenda and organizational issues. The questions should be sent by email to R. Augusiak (http://raugusiak.weebly.com): augusiak@cft.edu.pl

The Center for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CFT PAN) is a research institute that conducts research in various fields of physics, including quantum information, research on the cosmos and gravitation, semiconductors, and atomic gases. The Institute’s strategy is to employ the strongest scientists while giving them freedom in conducting research. The result is the high position of CFT PAN in Poland, publications at a world-class level (papers in Nature and Science), a large number of grants (approximately 30 projects), and participation in international consortia.

The CTP PAS also hosts a number of scientific events, including seminars, workshops, and conferences, which are open to the public. The Institute also creates educational content accessible on its official YouTube channel.

About the role

We are seeking a person who will lead the Neutral Atoms Applications Group of the newly established Center for Quantum-Enabled Computing (within the structures of the Center for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences) — the first scientific unit in Poland dedicated to the application of quantum effects in computing. The focus of the Group will be on combining theoretical research with potential implementations. The possible research topics include (but are not limited to):

• Development of strategies for achieving fault tolerance and efficient quantum error correction and mitigation tailored to neutral-atom quantum computing and simulation platforms.
• Design of optimal many-body gate implementations, together with the exploration of measurement-free error correction protocols and the integration of mid-circuit measurements with real-time feed-forward control.
• Development of scalable architectures for hybrid analog–digital quantum computation and simulation on neutral-atom platforms, combining analog Hamiltonian evolution with digital gate-based control to optimize performance, resource efficiency, and robustness to noise.
• Optimization of quantum simulation protocols, including the identification of non-trivial Hamiltonians that can be reliably simulated using Rydberg platforms, as well as their experimental implementation in collaboration with the University of Stuttgart; this also includes the study of circular Rydberg state microwave qubits and their quantum-logic mapping to clock qubits.

Your responsibilities will also include:

• Contributing to the research agenda and leading the research of their group and being responsible for implementation of related milestones, in cooperation with other group leaders.
• Conducting world-class research oriented towards applications of quantum computing, quantum algorithms, or machine learning.
• Publishing articles in top-tier journals and disseminating results on thematic conferences.
• Applying for external funding from key national and international agencies, including National Science Center (NCN) or ERC.

Researcher’s profile according to the European Council’s recommendations: R2 or R3.

ABOUT YOU

The candidate must meet the following criteria:

• PhD degree in physics (or a related discipline relevant to the research agenda) obtained by the application deadline.
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written); knowledge of Polish is an asset.
• Strong track record of scientific achievements related to the scope of the group, demonstrated by publications in recognized journals and invited conference presentations.
• Experience in leading a research team or demonstrated leadership potential.
  Experience in conducting research projects, acting as a Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Investigator.
• Openness to internal and external collaborations, including international networking.
• Experience in the commercialization of research results and collaboration with industry is a significant advantage.
• Experience in supervising students or PhD students will be considered an advantage.
• Applying for external funding from key national and international agencies, including National Science Center (NCN) or ERC.

Additionally, if selected for the position of Research Group Leader, the candidate accepts that the position involves:

• Full-time employment at the Center for Quantum-Enabled Computing (may be reduced to 50% in the case of ERC awardees),
• transferring their current externally funded research projects to the C4QEC (provided that the rules of the funding agency and, where applicable, the current employer allow it), as the place of their implementation, provided that the research topic is aligned with the C4QEC Research Agenda.

At the same time, the C4QEC employee’s maximum total professional commitment to all projects carried out at CTP PAS and other units may not exceed 276 hours per month.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary: PLN 20,750–24,250 gross per month (approx. PLN 16,300-18,500 net per month). The indicated amount includes the seniority allowance. In addition, the Employee may be entitled to bonuses, awards or other remuneration components in accordance with the Remuneration Regulations binding at the Institute. The remuneration is determined and paid in accordance with the Remuneration Regulations in force at the Institute.
• Possibility to apply for additional internal or external funding;
• Leadership over an independent research group;
• Open Access publishing support;
• Funds to conduct applied research (TRL>1) in the domain of quantum computing and/or machine learning;
• Possibility to file patent applications within the project;
• Funds to employ 3 other researchers: 1 postdoc and 2 PhD students and also several students;
• Funds for participation in scientific events (conferences, workshops, etc.) to disseminate project’s results, inviting collaborators, research visits at partner institutions;
• Possibility to conduct research/teaching project in collaboration with students;
• Office space for the team;
• Access to training and career development opportunities at CTP PAS;
• Access to computational resources at CTP PAS.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications should be sent to: recruitment@cft.edu.pl, by May 17, 2026 with the reference number (“MAB/05/2026″) in the subject line.

Required documents:

• Group leader CV in the format given by the attachment (max. 10 pages).
• A research track record including in particular: (i) a complete list of publications; (ii) research projects, with those led as Principal Investigator (PI) clearly indicated; (iii) a list of invited and contributed presentations at conferences and workshops; (iv) supervision of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students; and other relevant academic activities.
• Cover letter/motivation letter, with information about the availability to start the position (max. 2 pages);
• A description of the initial research plans for the group, including the innovation potential and prospective collaboration with industrial or business partners, in alignment with the research objectives specified in the call (max. 3 pages).
  NOTE: If the candidate intends to suggest changes in the research agenda of the group they intend to lead, with the respect the ones shown in announcements, this must be included in the description.
• At least two reference letters (preferably three) about the candidate to be sent directly by senior researchers to recruitment@cft.edu.pl; the candidate is responsible for arranging for the letters to be submitted.
• Copy of the PhD diploma or another certificate of obtaining the PhD; Holders of Polish habilitation (dr hab.) should include relevant documentation as well.
• Signed Data Privacy Statement (EN + PL – GDPR clause).

All required documents should be attached to a single e-mail.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Shortlisted candidates will receive an invitation for an interview which will be held at the Center or online.

HOW WE RECRUIT

We carefully review every submitted application. Those whose experience and competencies align with our needs and requirements are invited to an interview (usually held online).

We stay in touch with candidates throughout the entire process, ensuring that interviews take place in a friendly atmosphere, and providing feedback after the interviews. We approach each candidate individually, also considering the needs of people with disabilities.

We appreciate all feedback received after the recruitment process. It motivates us to improve our recruitment efforts.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The CTP PAS operates in an all-inclusive environment irrespective of personal, physical, or social characteristics. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and appreciated, and we are committed to advancing the careers of everyone.

Equality, respect, and openness are fundamental values in an academic environment, where diversity is essential. We strive to provide a safe and inclusive space for everyone who is part of our scientific community.

The CTP PAS has regulations for reporting violations of law and protection of whistleblowers.