Postdoctoral Research Fellow

College of Engineering, Mathematics & Physical Sciences

The above full-time post is available immediately, on a fixed term basis, from 01 Apr 2022 to 31 Mar 2024.

The post

We wish to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow working in the area of quantum computing and simulation. The post is offered to work in the group of Dr. Oleksandr Kyriienko (Department of Physics, University of Exeter) and the successful applicant will join the project on developing quantum algorithms for machine learning. The post will be hosted by the University of Exeter, Streatham campus.

The successful applicant will do research in the field of quantum computing. We are looking for candidates with a background in quantum algorithms, quantum optics, and theoretical machine learning. Strong candidates from condensed matter theory and statistical physics (with the desire to move towards QML) will also be considered.

The post will target the tasks of developing original quantum algorithms, considering relevant applications in the field. The duties will include theoretical proposing and investigating novel QML protocols, testing them in silico, prototyping software realizations, and helping with quantum hardware implementations. The candidate will have regular interaction with the industrial partner and collaborators, as well as mentor junior team members. The results will be reported in the form of peer-reviewed publications (where applicable) or internal reports, and contributing to patent applications.

About you

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or be nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be able to perform calculations (analytical, numerical) in the areas of quantum computing and quantum machine learning. The areas of technical expertise include backgrounds in quantum information, quantum simulation, quantum optics, theoretical machine learning, condensed matter theory.

The successful applicant will have excellent writing skills, desire to self-study, will be goal-oriented and motivated to work closely within the rapidly developing quantum start-up community. Importantly, they shall show the ability to work in a virtual environment and possess a self-discipline for doing research remotely if required.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment above.

The University of Exeter

 The University of Exeter is a Russell Group university in the top 150 of universities worldwide. We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, and have achieved a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2017. We have over 22,000 students and 4600 staff from 180 different countries and have been rated the WhatUni2017 International Student Choice. Our research focuses on some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today, with 98% of our research rated as being of international quality in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces. 

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

For further information please contact Dr. Oleksandr Kyriienko directly via e-mail at [email protected]