PhD position at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona funded by the PHYNEST project

Organisation/Company Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona Department Physics Department Research Field Physics » Quantum mechanics Physics » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Spain Application Deadline 28 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe – COFUND Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description Energetics of Information: From Timekeeping to Computing A PhD position is available in the Physics Department at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB),under the supervision of Martí Perarnau Llobet and Vicenç Méndez López . Thesuccessful candidate will be enrolled in the Physics doctoral programme at the UAB in the framework of the PHYNEST project.PHYNEST is a prestigious new MSCA-COFUND doctoral programme coordinated by the UAB, designed to recruit and train 25 doctoral candidates . The programme focuses on advanced materials, innovative methodologies, and transformative solutions that address today’s most pressing challenges in the fields of energy transition and environmental sustainability . Research project: In this project, we aim to investigate the energetics of information processing by combining tools from statistical mechanics with recent advances in quantum and stochastic thermodynamics (1,2). Information is a physical resource, and its manipulation is constrained by thermodynamic laws—an insight that goes back to Maxwell’s demon and Landauer’s principle. Despite the rapid progress in stochastic and quantum thermodynamics, many fundamental questions remain open regarding the ultimate energetic requirements of information processing at microscopic and quantum scales. Here, we will address some of these challenges in two main directions. First, we will exploit statistical mechanics techniques—such as random walks and first-passage processes—to go beyond average energetic costs and analyze fluctuations, variances, ergodicity breaking and extreme events. We will investigate optimal control strategies in both stochastic and quantum thermodynamics, aiming to optimize dynamical processes with respect to higher-order quantities rather than just mean values (see preliminary results in (3)). We will apply these results to information erasure and, at a later stage, the characterization of the minimal energetic cost of timekeeping, using models of clocks built from quantum systems coupled to thermal environments (4). Second, we will address computation from a thermodynamic perspective. We will study the energetic requirements of analog models of computation, particularly (quantum) reservoir computing (5). We will investigate both fundamental bounds and tradeoffs between entropy production and accuracy, as well as practical principles for energy-efficient implementations. (1) J. Goold et al, J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 49, ). (2) U. Seifert, Phys. A: St. Mech. 504, ). Research groups: Martí Perarnau-Llobet is a member of the Quantum Information Group (GIQ) of the Department of Physics. GIQ’s research interests range from theoretical aspects of quantum information (quantum Shannon theory, quantum statistical inference, quantum metrology, entanglement theory) over implementations of quantum information protocols (e.g., quantum optics and ultra-cold gases) to applications of quantum information theory in condensed matter systems, nonequilibrium statistical mechanics and dissipative quantum dynamics. Vicenç Méndez is professor of the Statistical Physics Group of the Department of Physics. He has his expertise on stochastic phenomena, random walks, long-distance dispersal, and search and exploration patterns. It is part of the SGR ‘Ecoevolutionary responses of animals to climate change’ focused on understanding the response of biological populations to climate and other external forcing from a statistical physics approach. We are seeking highly qualified and motivated candidates with strong academic backgrounds, ambition, and excellent interpersonal skills to join our team. We offer: A full-time, 4-year contract (37.5 hours per week), starting at the end of 2026 A gross annual salary of €30,900 Full coverage of tuition fees by the project Eligibility criteria (EC rules): Mobility rule: Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately preceding the programme call deadline (28 February 2026). Experience rule: Candidates must be doctoral candidates at the date of recruitment, i.e. not already in possession of a doctoral degree. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet been formally awarded the degree are not considered eligible. Candidates must hold a degree that qualifies them for admission to the official doctoral programme at UAB . Academic background and skills: Master in one of these areas: Theoretical Physics (statistical mechanics, many-body physics, stochastic processes). Quantum Science and Technology Nanoscience and Nanotechnology The PhD workplan includes (i) the compilation of previous work, (ii) the development of models and theoretical tools and (iii) the computational work to implement the models and reach an understanding of their properties. Besides the academic background required, general programming skills (e.g. Python, R, parallel programming, …) would also represent an added value. Application process: Interested candidates are invited to apply via the PHYNEST online platform by submitting a full CV, a motivation letter, two letters of recommendation and academic and English level certificates. The call will be open from 1 January to 28 February 2026. Further details about the PHYNEST project, the recruitment process, and the application platform can be found on the PHYNEST website . #J-18808-Ljbffr