Joint CUNY - Center for Computational Quantum Physics Visiting Scholar

Applicants are invited to apply for a joint position at the CUNY Graduate Center and the Flatiron Institute’s Center for Computational Quantum Physics (CCQ). The incumbent will split their time between teaching (50%) at the Graduate Center and conducting research, as a visiting scholar, at the CCQ (50%).

Applicants should have a strong background in the development and use of computational methods for the quantum many-body problem. While applicants interested in any of the fields of research supported at CCQ will be considered, preference will be given to scientists whose research interests combine electronic structure and many-body approaches for understanding and predicting properties of materials with strong electronic correlations.

Directed by Antoine Georges and co-directed by Andrew Millis, the Center for Computational Quantum Physics (CCQ), located in New York City, is a leading international center for the study of equilibrium and non-equilibrium many-body quantum systems, with applications to condensed matter physics, materials science, chemistry and related fields. The development of the concepts, algorithms and code libraries needed to advance the field is fundamental to the work of the center. Research projects currently pursued at CCQ cover a broad range of methods and interest.

CCQ currently comprises more than 45 research and software scientists at career stages from recent PhDs through senior scientists, as well as support staff, visiting scientists, and affiliated graduate students and interns. CCQ has vigorous visitor and workshop programs, strong interactions with scientists from neighboring institutions and is engaged in several national and international partnerships.

Researchers holding the visiting scholar appointment at CCQ develop theoretical concepts, algorithms and codes, and apply these to obtain new insights into the quantum-mechanical behavior of models, materials and molecules.  They develop their own research programs and also work in collaboration with other CCQ scientists including postdoctoral fellows. Reporting to research scientists, and/or the director or co-director of CCQ as appropriate, these positions are based at the Flatiron Institute, a division of the Simons Foundation, in New York City.

The visiting scholar will be appointed for an initial three-year period; the appointment may be renewed for additional time during the duration of the CUNY joint appointment.  This position will be based, and have a principal office or workspace, at the foundation’s offices in New York City. The visiting scholar will have access to CCQ resources including computational time, and receive financial support for conference attendance and travel. For more information about careers at the Flatiron Institute, please visit simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/ careers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES Conduct research in computational theory of quantum materials with strong correlations and/or develop and implement novel methods, algorithms and codes to understand the properties of these materials Publish research in refereed scientific and technical journals and present research at scientific conferences Provide publicly available software for use by the scientific community Support the public use of available software Assist in the organization of CCQ-related workshops, conferences, group meetings and seminars Actively work with and provide support to postdoctoral Flatiron research fellows and visiting graduate and undergraduate students Mentor summer students and assist in the organization of summer programs Perform other duties or tasks as assigned or required 

Minimum Qualifications Education: PhD degree in a related field

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Postgraduate research experience (typically 2 to 6 years) in computational quantum many-body theory, computational condensed matter physics or another field of interest to the CCQ.


• Familiarity with computational methods for electronic structure and quantum many-body problems. Experience and interest in developing or improving methods is desirable.


• A record of excellence in scientific publication


• Ability to do original and outstanding research in physics


• Effective oral and written communication skills


• Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative team environment.

Required Application Materials

• CV


• Cover letter


• Research statement outlining both past research accomplishments and a vision for scientific research at CUNY.


• Teaching and mentorship philosophy statement for graduate education


• Contact information for three (3) professional references (name, title, institution, and email address)

Applicants to this position must submit applications both to CUNY and to CCQ. The same application can be submitted for the faculty position at the Graduate Center and for the Visiting Scholar position at CCQ. However, applicants are welcome to comment on specific synergies with CCQ in their cover letter for the Flatiron application.

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All:

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law