Full/Chair professor on Computing System Architectures

Emerging computing paradigms such as quantum computing will revolutionise science and society by solving problems that are intractable for any conventional computer, even for today’s most powerful supercomputers. Quantum computing is already a reality as small and intermediate-scale quantum processors can today run small quantum algorithms. Building a quantum computer does not entail only fabricating more and better qubits using technologies such as superconducting qubits, spin-based qubits, and Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centres in diamond, but also relies on a complex hardware/software computer (system) architecture.

Within the Quantum and Computer Engineering (QCE) department, the section of Quantum Circuits, Architectures and Technologies (QCAT) performs a strong interdisciplinary research on the full stack of quantum computers (integrating Quantum Logic, cryo-CMOS circuits, micro-architecture, Quantum programming language, simulator platforms,  compilers and mapping tools, and computer system architectures  to enable the design, the development and the demonstration of quantum processors and their potential. Most of the research topics are investigated jointly with QCE’s Computer Engineering (CE) section. CE executes research on full-stack computers based on non-quantum devices such as memristors, CMOS, spintronics, and graphene-based devices. Hence, the foundation of the full-stack approach (integrating applications, compilers, architectures, micro-architecture, and circuit design, with an emphasis on the middle layers) applies to both QCAT and CE, creating a valuable synergy.

The research in the QCE department is conducted in the context of strong partnerships and close collaboration with world-leading companies (such as NXP, Philips, IBM, Intel, Fujitsu, Cadence, Intrinsic ID, KPN, and Airbus), research centres and universities (such as TNO, IMEC, RWTH, EPFL, UPC, UC Berkley, TalTech, Polito di Torino, Pisa University), TU Delft departments such as Microelectronics and Mathematics, and QuTech, a worldwide leading research centre on Quantum technology, Computing and Internet founded by TU Delft and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO).

QCE is inviting applications for a Chair Professor candidate with an excellent track record in computer system architectures and good understanding of the different computer system layers such that he will have a key role in extending the ongoing research in full-stack Quantum Computer Architectures, as well as defining new highly relevant research themes in the future together with an appropriate research agenda and corresponding composition of the section.  He/she/they will be responsible for managing the entire section QCAT, consisting of faculty members, postdocs, and PhD students.

The chair is expected to take the lead of the section and significantly contribute to the department activities including the development of a vision for the group and department for the coming ten years. The chair will be responsible for embedding the quantum activities in the wider context of the department, the faculty, and the university. The chair professor works collaboratively across disciplines, fosters a diverse and inclusive working environment, and is a connecting and coaching leader, focusing on spotting, attracting and developing talent.

A significant contribution to the EEMCS faculty and the university is also expected, e.g. by participation in committees and boards, as well as active participation in programmes of the four Dutch Universities of Technology (4TU).

The candidate will have a key role in extending the ongoing research in full-stack Quantum Computer Architectures, as well as defining new research themes together with an appropriate research agenda and corresponding composition of the secti