POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER in Quantum Computing Middleware and Applications

Job description

The University of Helsinki ( ), founded in 1640, is one of the world’s leading universities for multidisciplinary research. The university has an international academic community of 40,000 students and staff members. The Department of Chemistry ( ) at the Faculty of Science ( ) carries out research on chemistry and its applications at an international level and provides academic teaching based on high quality research. The Department of Computer Science is a leading unit in Finland in its area and responsible for the teaching and research in computer science at the University of Helsinki. The main research fields at the department are artificial intelligence, big data frameworks, bioinformatics, data analysis, data science, discrete and machine learning algorithms, distributed, intelligent, and interactive systems, networks, security, and software and database systems. The department has extensive international collaboration with companies and universities. Within teaching, the department’s professors and staff are in charge of the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Programmes in Computer Science, as well as the separate Master’s Programme in Data Science, in which other departments also participate. The Department of Computer Sciences invites applications for a POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER in Quantum Computing Middleware and Applications . The quantum software group at the University of Helsinki consists of close to ten researchers looking at quantum computing from the computer science perspective with an empirical research methodology. The position is fixed-term for 2 years with a possible extension of 2,5 years. Position description The work is part of a new UnloQ project, which aims to bridge the gap between early-stage quantum technology and industrial use. This requires cooperation of all layers in the quantum stack. We are particularly interested in a mix of three aspects: circuit optimization, evolving error correction techniques, and applications. We use locally hosted quantum computers based on superconducting technology in our experiments as well as the resources of our national supercomputing center. The work involves developing ideas and techniques, implementing experiments in code and running them on 50 (and upcoming 300) qubit quantum computers, analyzing the results and documenting them in scientific papers. Collaboration with other team members and supervision of MSc and PhD students are part of the work. The position has a trial period of 6 months. Requirements The ideal candidate has a PhD in quantum computing or in computer science with a quantum perspective. Skills to implement quantum programs in QisKit, Qrisp, or other major quantum programming environments are essential. Teamworking and communication skills are important as our project involves working together with our industry partners. Creativity and agility are important in this fast-moving area. Good written and oral communication skills in English will be needed. Salary and benefits The salary will be in accordance with the University salary system (requirement level 5). In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary will be approximately 4000-4400 €/month. University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, sports facilities, and ample opportunities for professional development and language studies. The International Staff Services office ( ) assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland. A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to the University of Helsinki. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from different gender identities, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minorities to apply for the position. You can read about the accessibility and inclusivity of our university via this link. How to apply Applications should include: a CV with a list of publications, a brief description of your research interests (1 page) with clear indication on the motivation to apply for this position, a copy of a PhD degree certificate. If you are interviewed, you will be asked for contact details for two references. The deadline for applications is 21.10. Interviews will commence right away, already during the application period. The ideal start date is as soon as possible, at the latest January 1st 2027. Please send us an application that you have crafted yourself, reflecting your own capability and thoughts. Applications generated by AI do not meet our expectations. External applicants, please submit your application via the Apply Now button. Internal applicants, who have a username and a valid employment/grant/visitor contract, please submit your application via the Employee login button. Additional information For further inquiries regarding the position, please contact Professor Jukka K. Nurminen ( ). Support with the recruitment system can be obtained at . Here you can find further information about the research group .