Postdoctoral Position in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics

About the Institute

The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) at Shenzhen University is a research-focused academic unit founded in 2014. It aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research across physics, mathematics, chemistry, and related fields. All faculty members at IAS hold Ph.D. degrees and possess extensive overseas education or research experience. The institute maintains close collaboration with renowned universities in Hong Kong and abroad, providing an international and dynamic academic environment.

Research Area

Dr. Zekun Zhuang’s group focuses on novel quantum phases and transport phenomena driven by topology, strong correlations, and non-equilibrium effects in low-dimensional quantum systems. Research topics include Wigner crystals, spin liquids, topological insulators and superconductors, and light-driven phase transitions. The personal website can be found here: https://ias.szu.edu.cn/en/info/1046/3165.htm

Position Description

We invite applications for one postdoctoral position in theoretical condensed matter physics. The successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research on topics related to correlated quantum systems and emergent phases of matter. The position begins on Aug 1, 2026, while an earlier start date is also possible upon mutual agreement.

Qualifications

• Applicants should have obtained (or be about to obtain) a Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field within the past 3 years and be under 35 years old.
• A strong background in condensed matter theory is required. The applicant should be proficient in at least one of the following:
  • Analytical methods, e.g. mean-field theory, quantum many-body theory, field-theoretical approaches.
  • Numerical many-body methods, such as exact diagonalization (ED), quantum Monte Carlo (QMC), density-matrix renormalization group (DMRG), etc. The applicant should be able to write and implement numerical codes; good command of at least one programming language and basic Linux experience.
• Applicants whose experience is mainly experimental or limited to first-principles (DFT) calculations will NOT be considered.
• Good publication record and demonstrated ability for independent research.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills in English.
• Proficiency with basic scientific writing tools, such as LaTeX and Illustrator, is expected.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-level research in theoretical condensed matter physics and publish competitive papers in international journals.
• Collaborate on ongoing group projects and assist in proposal preparation.
• Mentor graduate students and contribute to the academic life of the group.

Salary and Benefits

• Annual salary: ≥ 330,000 RMB (~46,000 USD), depending on qualifications. This includes the postdoc subsidy from the Guangdong province and the Shenzhen city government.
• Outstanding candidates may apply for the “Lixin Award Program”, with an additional bonus of 48,000 RMB.
• Upon completion, qualified postdocs are eligible for a 360,000 RMB exit subsidy from Shenzhen City.
• Postdocs may independently apply for research grants as principal investigators.
• Excellent postdocs can directly apply for tenure-track faculty positions at Shenzhen University.
• Note: The postdoc subsidy policy may change and is subject to the latest official policies.

Appointment Term

The position is typically for two years, with a possible extension to a third year depending on funding availability and mutual agreement.

Application Materials

• Please send your CV (including publication list) and personal statement as a single PDF to Dr. Zekun Zhuang ([email protected]).
• Applicants should arrange for at least one recommendation letter (one of them must be from Ph.D. advisor) to be sent directly by the referee to [email protected].
• The review of applications will begin on January 31, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.