PostDoc – Quantum Optimization in Energy Systems Engineering

Your Job:

Quantum optimization (QO) is a promising, potentially disruptive technology for solving difficult optimization problems which is at the heart of energy system design and operation. While illustrative, energy-related examples (e.g., unit commitment) have been ported onto quantum computers, the potential of QO for energy systems engineering, especially with respect to the design and operation of multi-carrier energy networks, remains largely unknown. Our goal is to identify design and operational problems for which efficient quantum formulations and hybrid quantum-classical algorithms can be derived and to analyze scalability and relative performance of quantum-(assisted) optimization compared to state-of-the-art classical optimization. To this end, we will perform extensive computational experiments on the Jülich D-Wave quantum annealer and on a gate-based quantum computer over the cloud. We are supported by our project partners and quantum computing experts at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC) and the Peter Grünberg Institute – Institute for Quantum Computing Analytics (PGI-12). Your Tasks in Detail:

• Develop QO formulations for energy system design and operation
  
• Perform and analyze computational experiments on quantum computing hardware
  
• Analyze performance and scalability of QO and compare to classical optimization
  
• Develop hybrid quantum-classical algorithms for mixed-integer and constrained problems
  
• Closely work together with our project partners and become part of an interdisciplinary team
  
• Disseminate your results in renowned journals and at international conferences

Your Profile:

• Very good Master’s and subsequent PhD degree in computational engineering, simulation science, physics, applied mathematics or a relevant discipline
  
• Expert knowledge in optimization; experience in quantum optimization is desired
  
• Experience in process/energy systems engineering is an advantage
  
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, Matlab, C/C++)
  
• Excellent skills in spoken and written English
  
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
  
• Strong ability to work independently
  
• Excellent cooperation and communication skills and commitment to work as part of a team

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
  
• A highly motivated, interdisciplinary research group in one of the biggest research centers in Europe
  
• Supervision by Prof. Alexander Mitsos, Director at IEK-10 and Head of the Institute of Process Systems Engineering (AVT.SVT) at RWTH Aachen University
  
• An excellent scientific and technical infrastructure (e.g., the Jülich D-Wave Quantum Annealer)
  
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g., through an extensive range of training courses
  
• Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g., remote work
  
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g., between Christmas and New Year)
  
• A full-time position with the option of slightly reduced working hours
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g., through our International Advisory Service
  

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

This is a 2-year appointment, with the possibility of a 1-year extension based upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding. Salary and social benefits will conform to the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) depending on the applicant’s qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks assigned to them.

The advertised position is one of multiple positions in IEK-10 to be filled related to quantum-based energy grids. You are free to apply for more than one position.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.