Research Associates in Quantum Algorithms + Computational Genomics

Applications are invited for two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions, one in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics and the other in the Department of Genetics, to work on algorithm development, implementation and evaluation of quantum computational approaches to problems in genomics. These positions will be in the research groups of Dr Sergii Strelchuk (DAMTP) and Prof Richard Durbin (Genetics). These posts are funded by a grant from Wellcome Leap in "Human and Pathogen Quantum Pangenomics" to Dr Strelchuk and Durbin and collaborators at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and European Bioinformatics Institute. This grant is part of a larger Q4Bio program https://wellcomeleap.org/q4bio/ of Wellcome Leap that aims to accelerate the applications of quantum computing in human health.

The position in DAMTP is focused on developing quantum algorithms for string problems and optimization problems that arise in genome assembly and sequence alignment. For this project we are interested in developing novel techniques to encode genomic information into quantum systems and investigate efficient quantum algorithmic techniques in the context of sequence matching and graph-based approaches. Dr Strelchuk's group develops quantum algorithms for simulation and machine learning problems, classical simulation techniques for quantum processes and data encoding and transmission problems of quantum information theory.

The position in Genetics is more focused on novel representations and algorithm development for highly efficient sequence assembly and pangenome construction and use. Professor Durbin's group in collaboration with the Tree of Life programme at the Wellcome Sanger Institute are leaders in the development of methods and software for scaling high accuracy reference genome assembly and pangenome using sequence matching and graph-based approaches. For this project we are interested in developing novel approaches to currently unsolved problems in these areas, and working collaboratively with project partners to develop quantum computing implementations.

Duties include developing and conducting individual and collaborative research objectives, proposals and projects. The role holder will be expected to plan and manage their own research and administration, with guidance as required, and to prepare technical reports and manuscripts for publication. You must be able to communicate material of a technical nature and be able to build internal and external contacts.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or Computational Genomics and experience in quantum algorithm design and/or genomic software development as appropriate for the post you are applying for. A proven record of scientific publication in a relevant area is essential, and experience of collaborative research would be highly desired.

Informal enquiries can be made by contacting Sergii Strelchuk ([email protected] ) or Richard Durbin ([email protected] ).

Fixed-term: The funds for these posts are available until 30 September 2024 in the first instance and the posts may, subject to the confirmation of funding, be further renewed in two extensions up to 30 months in total.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please indicate the contact details of two academic referees on the online application form and upload a full curriculum vitae and a description of your recent research (not to exceed three pages). Please ensure that at least one of your referees is contactable at any time during the selection process, and is made aware that they will be contacted by the Mathematics HR Office Administrator to request that they upload a reference for you to our Web Recruitment System; and please encourage them to do so promptly.

Please quote reference LE39733 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BAME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our Department.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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