October 2025: the Kimchi group has an upcoming opening for a postdoctoral fellow starting Fall 2026. See below for details.
The Kimchi group in the School of Physics performs theoretical and computational research on strongly interacting quantum matter. We are always open to talented PhD students to join the group. If you are interested please contact Itamar Kimchi.
Our group works on correlated quantum systems, and on the topological and entangled phases of matter which can sometimes emerge in these systems. In these kinds of settings, no direct computer simulations can ever be performed even in principle on classical computers within our universe: figuring out the right questions to ask (including using simulations in more clever ways) is the challenging and most fun part of the work.
Some recent talks are as follows:
Somewhat less specialized talk at ICTS workshop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEkBlHMH50A
Somewhat more specialized talk at KITP conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cf5rhBHITuc
Less recent but public-audience talk for Pappalardo-funded fellowship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1K8d0IMlCQ
Our research interests in the theory of quantum matter focus on model systems that allow us to discover conceptually new insights in the theory and that often are also relevant to experiments. A favorite setting is frustrated quantum spin systems, sometimes with strong spin-orbit coupling (e.g. iridates), sometimes also with quenched disorder. Such quantum magnets are closely related to superconductivity. Other settings include topological quantum anomalies, quantum Hall, topological semimetals, and increasingly various cold atomic and molecular systems. Such controlled systems, as well as quantum materials, are directly relevant to quantum information science including the quantum computing research that is gaining new popular visibility. Our research projects typically combine analytical studies with some kind of numerical technique, often tailor-designed for the particular problem. This can also help to connect back to experiment.
Postdoctoral Fellow opening:
We are searching for a postdoctoral fellow to join our group, to work with us as well as to collaborate with other condensed matter and quantum materials faculty in the School of Physics. The position will have an anticipated start date in Fall 2026.
Georgia Tech is located in the heart of Atlanta, a diverse and vibrant city known for its rich cultural life, outstanding dining, lively social scene, and relatively affordable cost of living. The region’s mild climate supports year-round recreation, with easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and abundant lakes, rivers, and biking trails.
Applicants should submit application material by email to ikimchi3@gatech.edu, with the email subject line “2026 Postdoc Application: ” followed by your name. Please submit a CV and a statement of research experience and interests (2-3 pages). In your email please link your arXiv or Google Scholar page; you are welcome to also include any other relevant information on your interest in the group or in Georgia Tech. Additionally, please arrange for three letters of reference to be emailed to ikimchi3@gatech.edu with the same subject line. Applications will be reviewed starting December 10th and will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.