Physics Expert (Condensed Matter / Quantum Information)

What you'll do

This is the most computational of micro1's physics benchmark listings. The topic is constrained quantum dynamics: the PXP model, Rydberg blockade and quantum many-body scars, the physics behind the long-lived revivals first seen in Rydberg-atom arrays. The customer is building research-level benchmark problems on it and wants physicists who can produce and check the numerics.

The ad describes:

• Writing and analysing exact diagonalization code that uses translation and reflection symmetries, preferably in QuSpin, at system sizes L ≥ 26
• Building and working in block-diagonalized subspaces of large Hilbert spaces efficiently
• Computing overlaps with the Z2 state and interpreting what they say about scarred dynamics
• Writing detailed feedback, analytic reports and assessments on benchmark problems
• Serving as a Solver, Auditor or Adjudicator, depending on subfield fit, hands-on methods expertise and seniority

The L ≥ 26 figure is the practical filter. Getting constrained-Hilbert-space ED to that size with momentum and parity sectors is something you have either done or you have not, and the ad is written for people who have.

Who fits

• A PhD or equivalent practical experience in condensed matter, quantum information or a close field
• Proven exact diagonalization experience, including QuSpin and symmetry reduction for large systems
• Block-diagonalization of Hamiltonians and comfort in large Hilbert-space subspaces
• A strong grasp of many-body scars, Rydberg blockade and constrained dynamics
• Experience analysing Z2 or similar state overlaps and interpreting numerical results

QuSpin is "preferred", so strong ED experience in another stack (for example, your own C++ or Julia code) should still be worth putting forward.

What it pays

$100–170/hour, micro1's published band. That is a higher floor than its other subfield physics listings at $80–160, which fits the coding requirement. No compensation structure, weekly hours or duration is stated, and nothing says how placement within the band is decided.

Worth knowing

Good:

• A $100 floor, higher than most of micro1's physics roles
• Computational skills are the credential, which suits ED-heavy postdocs
• Explicit about the tools and system sizes, so you know what you are signing up for
• No country restriction stated, and no AI experience needed

Less good:

• Very specialised: scars and PXP, not general many-body physics
• Large-L ED is compute-hungry, and the ad does not say whose hardware runs it
• No hours, duration or pay structure published
• Posted two months ago with ten openings; check it is still open
• Contractor engagement: no benefits, no notice period, your own tax to manage

About this listing

Posted by micro1 on its own jobs portal and read on 24 September 2026. The band, the ten openings, the methods, the L ≥ 26 figure and the three assignment roles are from the listing. The context on Rydberg-array revivals and the compute question are ours. See micro1.