Several 3-year postdoctoral positions will become available in the fall of 2023 in the Qubits and Spacetime Unit at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (https://www.oist.jp) led by Philipp Höhn. The research of the unit lies broadly at the interface of quantum gravity, quantum information and foundations, focusing on general questions in and around quantum gravity. Current research interests include e.g. finite regions in gauge theory and gravity, equilibrium and non-equilibrium spacetime thermodynamics, gravitational observables, quantum reference frames, the interplay of quantum correlations and spacetime geometry, entanglement in gauge systems, as well as (micro)causality in gauge theory and gravity. For further information on the group, see https://groups.oist.jp/quast. Candidates with an interest in any of these or related topics are encouraged to apply.

One of the positions will be fully funded through a Templeton grant and the international consortium Quantum Information Structure of Spacetime (QISS, https://www.qiss.fr) and (in contrast to the others) on a 2+1 year basis, with a third year extension subject to funding. Ideally, this QISS position should be filled starting June 2023 due to the grant period. Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are interested in this position too.

OIST currently harbors three further units in quantum gravity or related topics in mathematical physics, headed by Shinobu Hikami, Yasha Neiman and Reiko Toriumi, and is currently expanding its quantum information science initiative with several new groups to arrive. Furthermore, the institute regularly hosts international workshops, seminars and visitors in these areas, providing for a stimulating research environment. The unit will provide support for traveling and hosting collaborators.

The successful candidate will contribute to the research program of the Qubits and Spacetime Unit, but is also encouraged to carry out self-designed projects. Active participation in group seminars and meetings is expected, as well as in assisting with their organization. The successful candidate may also contribute to mentoring students.

Qualifications:

Fall 2023 for the internally funded positions and (ideally) June 2023 for the QISS funded position.

Full-time, fixed term appointment for 3 years for the internally funded positions, and full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 years with possibility of a third year extension (subject to funding) for the QISS funded position.

Compensation & Benefits:

We pay an internationally competitive salary, which is raised upon completion of every additional year after the PhD award. A housing allowance of up to 80% of the rent complements the salary. Additional benefits:

1. Relocation and commuting allowances
   
2. Annual paid leave and summer holidays
   
3. Health insurance, welfare pension insurance and worker’s accident compensation insurance
   

How to Apply:

Apply by uploading your Submission Documents through Academic Jobs Online under the link https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/23351. For further information please see https://groups.oist.jp/quast or contact Philipp Höhn under quast.oist@gmail.com.

Submission Documents:

• Cover letter
  
• Research statement, including summary of past achievements and future research plans (max. 3 pages text!)
  
• Curriculum vitae including publication list
  
• Three letters of reference
  

Application Due Date: Applications will be screened as they come in. Preferably they should be received by November 24, 2022.

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST; see https://www.oist.jp) is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forest land overlooking beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding (OIST campus video tour). There are no academic departments, which facilitates multidisciplinary research. Outstanding resources and equipment are provided and managed to encourage easy access and collaboration. English is the official language of the University, and the university research community is fully international, with more than 50 countries represented. OIST is rapidly gaining recognition in the worldwide academic community as a model for excellence in education and research.

* OIST Graduate University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, students and staff. The University strongly encourages women and minority candidates to apply.

* Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential, documents will not be returned. All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their applications.

* Please view our policy for rules on external professional activities (https://groups.oist.jp/acd/information-disclosure/).