The nature of causality remains one of the key puzzles in science. In quantum theory, the causal structure is not subject to quantum uncertainty and plays rather a background role. The process matrix formalism (PMF) has introduced indefinite causal structures (ICS) by assuming validity of quantum theory in local laboratories while relaxing the global definite causal order between them. Looking for the possible applications of the PMF has been the subject of growing interest in the scientific community as the PMF could provide communication and computational resources not realizable via standard quantum theory. The main goal of this project is to trace both the foundational and practical sides of the ICS in the PMF. Its central topics put under scrutiny implications of the PMF for thermodynamics and its fundamental laws, the underlying mathematical structure, and further benefits offered by ICS for practical tasks.
The project is funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) as the Principal Investigator Project PAT 4559623. If you are interested in a collaboration or need additional information on the project, please do not hesitate to write me at my email.
Applications are invited for a 10-month postdoctoral position based at the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Vienna. The research will focus on studying indefinite causal structures via machine learning techniques. The ideal candidate is expected to have a strong background in quantum information, quantum foundations, or an adjacent field, extensive experience in machine learning algorithms, and a strong interest in pursuing fundamental research in the foundations of physics and spacetime.
The successful candidate will ideally start in October/November 2024, but the starting date is negotiable. The salary rates can be consulted on the official portal of the FWF.
Applicants are invited to send their CV (including a full list of publications), a cover letter, and PhD certificate to my email, and arrange a reference letter or provide contact details of a referee.
Deadline for application submission: August 31, 2024 (AoE).