PhD position in Combinatorial Optimisation for Quantum Computing

PhD position on combinatorial optimisation for quantum computing.

We are seeking a motivated candidate to advance and apply combinatorial optimisation algorithms, in particular scheduling and constraint programming, for quantum computing and quantum network applications. The algorithms will contribute towards solving real-world quantum problems.

Quantum computing and quantum networks have the potential to unlock unprecedented applications, particularly when compared to their traditional counterparts, e.g., significant speed-ups, secure key distribution, and improved physics simulations. To achieve the promised benefits, quantum resources must be carefully managed, which gives rise to challenging algorithmic problems. The aim is to formalise the problems arising in the quantum domain from a combinatorial optimisation perspective, and advance and apply combinatorial optimisation algorithms to solve real-world quantum problems. The ultimate goal is to provide algorithms that allow optimal utilisation of quantum hardware.

The candidate will join the team of Dr Emir Demirović, consisting of four PhD students working in the area of combinatorial optimisation. The team is part of the Algorithms group, which hosts seven full-time professors, two part-time professors, over 20 PhD students, and two postdocs. The project will be done in close collaboration with Dr Menno Veldhorst and his team at QuTech.

Key requirements:

• MSc degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, or a closely related field.
• Excellent algorithmic and programming skills.
• Eager to learn about quantum computing and quantum networks.
• Fluency in English.

Desirable skills:

• Knowledge of combinatorial optimisation, e.g., operations research, constraint programming, Satisfiability solving.
• Knowledge of formal reasoning and logic.
• Familiarity with quantum computing and quantum networks.
• Programming skills in Rust/C/C++.
• Teaching experience, e.g., working as a teaching assistant for a course.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three disciplines - electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make future-proof. We are also working on a world in which humans and computers reinforce each other. We are mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. There is plenty of room here for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1,100 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

For more information about this vacancy please contact Emir Demirović, email: [email protected]

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before March 5, 2023, via the application button and attach the following documents:

• Motivation letter up to two pages explaining your interest and skills for this specific position. Please specifically provide details about your algorithmic and optimisation skills.
• CV.
• Transcript of grades. Please explain the meaning of the scores, e.g., relative to other cohort, as different education systems may use different grading schemes.
• Master thesis (or draft if not yet submited), or a comparable document demonstrating your scientific and writing skills.
• Summary of other scientific works (if applicable).

Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their application before the deadline, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The aim is to conduct interviews in March and complete the hiring process by the beginning of April.

For information about the application procedure, please contact Sophie Den Hartog ([email protected]).  

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

PhD position on combinatorial optimisation for quantum computing.

We are seeking a motivated candidate to advance and apply combinatorial optimisation algorithms, in particular scheduling and constraint programming, for quantum computing and quantum network applications. The algorithms will contribute towards solving real-world quantum problems.

Quantum computing and quantum networks have the potential to unlock unprecedented applications, particularly when compared to their traditional counterparts, e.g., significant speed-ups, secure key distribution, and improved physics simulations. To achieve the promised benefits, quantum resources must be carefully managed, which gives rise to challenging algorithmic problems. The aim is to formalise the problems arising in the quantum domain from a combinatorial optimisation perspective, and advance and apply combinatorial optimisation algorithms to solve real-world quantum problems. The ultimate goal is to provide algorithms that allow optimal utilisation of quantum hardware.

The candidate will join the team of Dr Emir Demirović, consisting of four PhD students working in the area of combinatorial optimisation. The team is part of the Algorithms group, which hosts seven full-time professors, two part-time professors, over 20 PhD students, and two postdocs. The project will be done in close collaboration with Dr Menno Veldhorst and his team at QuTech.

Key requirements:

• MSc degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, or a closely related field.
• Excellent algorithmic and programming skills.
• Eager to learn about quantum computing and quantum networks.
• Fluency in English.

Desirable skills:

• Knowledge of combinatorial optimisation, e.g., operations research, constraint programming, Satisfiability solving.
• Knowledge of formal reasoning and logic.
• Familiarity with quantum computing and quantum networks.
• Programming skills in Rust/C/C++.
• Teaching experience, e.g., working as a teaching assistant for a course.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three disciplines - electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make future-proof. We are also working on a world in which humans and computers reinforce each other. We are mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. There is plenty of room here for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1,100 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

For more information about this vacancy please contact Emir Demirović, email: [email protected]

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before March 5, 2023, via the application button and attach the following documents:

• Motivation letter up to two pages explaining your interest and skills for this specific position. Please specifically provide details about your algorithmic and optimisation skills.
• CV.
• Transcript of grades. Please explain the meaning of the scores, e.g., relative to other cohort, as different education systems may use different grading schemes.
• Master thesis (or draft if not yet submited), or a comparable document demonstrating your scientific and writing skills.
• Summary of other scientific works (if applicable).

Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their application before the deadline, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The aim is to conduct interviews in March and complete the hiring process by the beginning of April.

For information about the application procedure, please contact Sophie Den Hartog ([email protected]).  

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.