PhD student Variational Quantum Algorithms: potential and limitations

The Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience focuses on research, innovation and education within the fields of future electronics, photonics, bio- and nanosystems. A close collaboration with Swedish and international partners within academia, industry and society enables scientific excellence and creates an innovative environment. In addition to the 200 researchers and PhD students, MC2 houses a cleanroom for micro- and nanofabrication with the latest equipment.Project description
This Ph.D. position is part of the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT), a 12-year 1.5 billion-SEK initiative started in 2018 with the purpose of advancing Swedish academia and industry to the forefront of quantum technology, and to build a Swedish quantum computer. WACQT provides a collaborative and stimulating research environment, involving several Swedish universities, industrial partners and experimental efforts on quantum computing hardware . The candidate will have the opportunity to participate in the graduate school and access common courses and activities for academic and industrial Ph.D. students, as well as equality, diversity and inclusion activities, like mentorship programs. The candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with the experimental team building the quantum computer.

Nearly four decades ago, it was proposed that quantum computers could have capabilities surpassing classical devices for information processing. This statement is supported by the fact that efficient quantum algorithms exist for certain classically intractable problems, like factoring large composite integers. As it has not yet been possible to build a quantum computer large enough to outperform classical computers for this task, physicists have developed heuristic protocols to tackle practical applications like combinatorial optimization problems. However, it remains an open question whether these approaches provide any advantage over classical computers. Here, we aim to assess the performance of variational quantum algorithms–one of the leading strategies–to solve practical problems in the available noisy intermediate-scale quantum processors.

Information about the division and the department
In our division, the Applied Quantum Physics Laboratory (AQPL), the research covers a broad spectrum, from quantum information processing with superconducting circuits, transport phenomena in graphene and molecular nanostructures, to unconventional and topological superconductors. We work in close collaboration with experimental groups such as the Quantum Technology Laboratory (QTL), within WACQT, and the department of Computer Science and Engineering.

The WACQT team at Chalmers currently has about 80 members (faculty, permanent research staff, postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and undergraduate students) and is expanding. WACQT is committed to promoting career development, diversity, and gender equality through networking and supporting activities.

Our department (MC2) is host to the state-of-the-art MC2 Nanotechnology Laboratory cleanroom, the largest such facility in Northern Europe, and our measurement lab at QTL is well equipped with cryogenic and microwave electronic equipment. We are in a position to build and operate large-scale quantum processors.

Major responsibilities
The main responsibilities of a PhD student at Chalmers consist in pursuing doctoral studies by conducting research within your project, in collaboration and independently, leading to results that you will publish in journals and present at meeting and conferences.

Your studies also include coursework in your field and common core courses on generic and transferable skills. The position generally also includes teaching on the undergraduate level or other duties corresponding to up to 20 per cent of working hours.

Qualifications
Required qualifications:
*M.Sc. corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or equivalent
*Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.
*Ability to program in high-level languages such as Python or C

Desired qualifications:
*Experience from working on quantum computing or quantum information

We value a collaborative attitude and an interest in working both in teams and independently. Motivation, cooperation, and a problem-solving analytical ability are important personal qualities for this position.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20230225 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Application deadline: 30, April, 2023

For questions, please contact:
Dr. Laura García Álvarez, Applied Quantum Physics
laura.ga@chalmers.se


*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***