Postdoctoral Researcher (Quantum Condensed Matter Physics)

Role: Postdoctoral Researcher (Quantum Condensed Matter Physics)

Location: Cambridge, MA, USA (On-site)

Start Date: Winter/Spring 2026, with earlier start dates strongly preferred

Duration: Initial appointment is for 1 year, with extensions (up to a total of 3 years) contingent upon performance

Announcement

We are inviting applications for up to two Postdoctoral Researcher positions in theoretical quantum condensed matter physics.

About

Episteme is a new type of R&D company based in San Francisco. We identify, hire, and bring together exceptional scientific researchers across disciplines and geographies—especially individuals who want to pursue difficult and important problems that do not fit into the purview of traditional institutions. Our aim is to create a new path separate from academia, industry, and government for enabling, translating, and commercializing science into tangible impact.

Overview

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will work closely with other group members and external collaborators on problems in strongly correlated electronic systems and quantum materials, largely employing computational techniques. You will conduct original and ambitious theoretical and computational research on high-impact problems and disseminate the results through scientific publications and talks. This role is ideal for individuals eager to work on fundamental questions while also contributing to real-world applications.

Research Focus Areas

• Emergent phenomena in strongly correlated electronic systems

• High-temperature superconductivity, quantum phase transitions, strong disorder effects

• Advanced computational many-body techniques, including methods development (e.g. quantum Monte Carlo, neural quantum states, tensor networks, machine learning and data science, dynamical mean field theory, diagrammatic Monte Carlo, etc.)

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative theoretical and computational research in quantum condensed matter physics

• Develop and implement high-performance scientific software, and simulation tools

• Publish research papers and present results at conferences, workshops, and seminars

• Participate in a dynamic research environment that encourages ambitious, long-term thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics or another relevant field by the start of the appointment

• Demonstrated ability to conduct original and outstanding research, supported by publications or preprints

• Expertise in analytical many-body calculations

• Expertise in one or more of the following: computational methods, software and algorithm development, high-performance computing, and data analysis

• Proficiency in relevant programming languages (e.g. Python, C++, Julia) and familiarity with version control and collaborative software development practices

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary, collaborative team

• Willingness to tackle ambitious, high-risk/high-reward problems that require deep focus and creativity

• Interest in exploring both foundational scientific questions and pathways to application or translation

• Desire and ability to thrive in a dynamic, start-up company environment

Application Instructions

To apply, please upload the following materials along with your application in Ashby:

• Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications

• A statement (maximum 2 pages) outlining your scientific interests, research experience and most important scientific achievement to date, and relevant work in software and algorithm development

• At least two (up to four) letters of recommendation (to be uploaded directly by letter writers to the link provided to them after application submission)

We strongly encourage submission by December 7, 2025 (including letters). Positions will remain open until filled. For questions, please contact Dr. Peter Lunts at [email protected].

Additional Information

In addition to competitive salaries, Episteme offers a comprehensive benefits package.