PDRA in Modern Methods for Transport in Plasma Physics

Department of Physics, Clarendon Laboratory, Parks Road, Oxford

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Modern Methods for Transport in Plasma Physics. 

The post is available initially for a fixed-term duration of 2 years with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funds. 

The research aims to deepen our understanding of transport and other properties of strongly interacting matter by combining modern theoretical approaches, including holography (gauge-string duality) and quantum molecular dynamics, and applying them to the analysis of experimental data. Scattering experiments, which use high-intensity beams of penetrating radiation to probe microstructure and dynamics, serve as pivotal tools for investigating material properties at extreme temperatures and densities. In the hydrodynamic regime, the shape of measured dynamic structure factors is directly linked to transport coefficients, such as thermal conductivity and viscosity, which are notoriously challenging to measure experimentally and remain poorly constrained. 

Holographic techniques connect models of strongly interacting plasmas to weakly interacting gravity in higher dimensions. These methods have been instrumental in providing benchmark estimates, such as the shear viscosity-to-entropy density ratio for quark-gluon plasma. The goal is to utilize existing holographic models and develop new ones, integrating these approaches with experimental and simulation data to better describe real plasmas. At the same time, many-body quantum simulations based on Molecular Dynamics allows for the ab-initio calculation of transport properties. Those simulations can thus be used to guide and verify holographic techniques for the plasma systems under investigation. 

We seek a postdoctoral researcher to advance the understanding of plasma transport using methods based on molecular dynamics (lattice simulations) and holography. The successful candidate will test predictions from holographic models against experimental data and numerical simulations, develop novel holographic models and techniques, and utilize experimental and simulation data to construct effective plasma models through deep symbolic regression. 

The post-holder will also have opportunities to teach, which may include lecturing, small-group teaching, and tutoring undergraduate and graduate students. 

Applicants should hold a PhD, or be close to completion of one, in Physics or a related field and have a strong background in Computational Methods. Knowledge of string-theory techniques is highly recommended. 

Previous experience (experimental or theoretical) in Plasma Physics. 

Candidates are expected to be able to work in a multidisciplinary environment. 

Please direct enquiries about the role to Prof Gianluca Gregori and Prof Andrei Starinets (gianluca.gregori@physics.ox.ac.uk andrei.starinets@physics.ox.ac.uk) 

Only applications received before midday (UK time) January 31, 2025 can be considered. You will be required to upload a statement of research interests, CV and details of two referees as part of your online application.

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