To inquire about available opportunities read until the end of this page.

The “lab”

We are theoretical/computational physics group that does not touch experimental equipment. The kind of research we work on is normally done by oneself using pencil and paper and a computer, or in discussion with other group member collaborators around a physical or online whiteboard.

In case it was not obvious, we do not have a laboratory, we are in possession of zero optical tables/detectors and exactly one laser1. If you write asking for opportunities to do work in our “lab”, chances are your email will go unanswered.

To have an idea of our research please consult the research section and read this footnote2. For instructions on how to contact me read this footnote3. Furthermore, before applying you should read our code of conduct.

For undergraduate opportunities in our group

There are opportunities for very strong undergraduate students to do research in our group. This will require the student to be well-versed in at least a couple of the following

  • Linear algebra (do you know what an SVD is, and how to use it? Do you know what a normal matrix is?).
  • Scientific computing (numpy/scipy, code development and version control, JIT, jax and automatic differentiation).
  • Quantum mechanics (interaction picture of a Hamiltonian, density matrices, Schmidt decompositions).
  • Electromagnetism (can you reason about modes on a waveguide/fiber/resonator).

These opportunities are typically funded by the NSERC USRA program or Mitacs.

For graduate opportunities in our group

The instructions for domestic and international applications for l’École are provided here. Note that you need to submit a complete dossier by the deadline indicated in the link below:

A complete application includes a language proficiency test in either French or English.

I have a strong preference to take students right after they complete their undergraduate studies, as master’s students. This provides an opportunity for me to get to know you and for you to get to know me; the master’s will last 1 to 2 years including work in a research project. If there is common agreement and interest you can transfer into the PhD.

For Canadian students

You are welcome to inquire anytime of the year about opportunities in the group. You are also strongly encouraged to consider funding opportunities from NSERC or FRQ should you join the group. Moreover, we expect you to have a background comparable to the very strong undergraduate students described above. Deadlines to start in the Fall/Winter and Summer semesters are summarized below

  • Fall Semester (September-December): June 1
  • Winter Semester (January-April): October 1
  • Summer Semester (May-August): February 1

For international students

Notice that you have much earlier deadlines and thus need to contact earlier. Also note that you will need to get a study permit from the federal government of Canada and also a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) from the provincial government of Québec. Upon admission you will be provided with a letter explaining how to obtain this document and detailing your funding.

Deadlines to start in the Fall/Winter and Summer semesters are summarized below

  • Fall Semester (September-December): February 1
  • Winter Semester (January-April): June 1
  • Summer Semester (May-August): October 1

  1. An InGaN laser pointer emitting a beautiful green-mint (505 nm). ↩

  2. We do not work on quantum machine learning. If you want to work in this field, great! Please do not write to me about this, as I will not be able to help you. ↩

  3. Good! You made it to the end. Please make sure that when you send an email, the subject line begins with QUANTIZE_{LEVEL}, where LEVEL is one of {UNDERGRAD, GRADUATE}. If it does not, your message will automatically be filtered out. ↩