Post-doc in Quantum Devices in Computer Science Group at ICTQT UG in FENG project

18 Feb 2025
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Gdansk

Department

International Centre for Theory of Quantum Technologies

Research Field

Physics » Quantum mechanics
Technology » Quantum technology

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Positions

Postdoc Positions

Country

Poland

Application Deadline

21 Mar 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

1 May 2025

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Other EU programme

Reference Number

FENG_2025_3

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

We are looking for a Post-doctoral Researcher to work in the International Centre for Theory of Quantum Technologies (ICTQT) hosted by the University of Gdańsk. The position is offered in the Quantum Devices in Computer Science Group led by Michał Studziński.

The position has been created as part of the FENG project No. FENG.02.01-IP.05-0006/23 \"International Centre for Theory of Quantum Technologies 2.0: R&D Industrial and Experimental Phase”. The project is implemented under the International Research Agenda program financed by the European Funds for a Smart Economy 2021-2027 (FENG), Priority FENG.02 Innovation-friendly environment, Measure FENG.02.01 International Research Agendas.

Keywords: theory of quantum technologies, quantum information, quantum information processing, quantum algorithms, higher-order quantum computing, symmetries and representation theory.

Key responsibilities include:
1. Actively conducting scientific research.
2. Presentation and discussion of ideas and results with a diverse audience at ICTQT and at external events.
3. Participation in seminars, group meetings, and other activities of scientific exchange.

About the FENG project
The increasing number of interconnected devices has made secure information transfer and collection essential. However, communication networks are vulnerable to attacks, and cryptographic codes can become breakable with advances in computer algorithms. Quantum technologies offer solutions to such problems, enabling processes that are impossible with standard methods. However, even though few examples of quantum technologies have passed beyond the proof of concept stage, there are still factors which hinder their application potential. The run-of-the-mill development strategy is to keep the core methods behind quantum technologies as they are and focus on incremental improvements of various components. In our opinion, what quantum technologies need rapid progress, to reach the expected high socioeconomic impact, are qualitative breakthroughs and the introduction of new core methodologies. Thus, our emblematic technological goals relevant for both the research agenda of the project No. FENG.02.01-IP.05-0006/23 and the scientific mission of ICTQT, are to develop new out-of-the-box disruptive methods for quantum technologies, as well as new applications of quantum methods, both aimed at broader and faster commercialization. Our research will focus on developing quantum devices and patentable intellectual property, such as quantum random number generators, quantum communication links, improved sensing and metrology or quantum software. We shall address the needs of the maritime sector, including off-shore wind farms. We shall collaborate with the official partner, IQOQI-Vienna, groups majoring in experiments in Warsaw, Stockholm, Munich and Concepción, and with industrial partners, including SeQure Quantum.

About the Quantum Devices in Computer Science Research Group (QDCS) led by Michał Studziński
The group’s objectives are: analysis of physical implementations of quantum devices, understanding their dynamics, and optimizing their performance. This includes research on quantum thermal machines, quantum batteries, and quantum gates. The main goals of the project are to develop algorithmic schemes for (i) quantum measurements and (ii) NISQ and beyond-NISQ quantum computing, optimize devices for specific implementations, and develop novel paradigms for special-purpose quantum devices beyond quantum computing. The optimization of quantum devices for communication, NISQ, and beyond-NISQ computing, as well as the design of new devices based on graph structures, symmetries with a wide range of applications is planned.
The project tasks will include designing algorithmic tools for estimating quantum properties and developing higher-order quantum computation methods, including the quantum combs formalism and indefinite causal structures. Additionally, we plan to focus on selected aspects of quantum error correction and methods for protecting quantum devices from noise, particularly by exploring symmetries underlying computational problems. In this context, one of the first goal is to investigate noisy universal quantum programmable processors and their modifications.
As a parallel research direction, we aim to develop mathematical tools based on recent advancements in mixed Schur-Weyl duality to reduce the complexity of quantum algorithms (e.g., in quantum machine learning methods) and to develop new ones with promising practical applications. Furthermore, we intend to apply these mathematical insights to symmetry-based reductions of semidefinite programming (SDP) formulations, which are relevant to quantum computational and processing tasks.
We expect the potential candidate to be capable of working within a larger international collaboration and to be willing to undertake scientific trips related to the project. Collaboration with industrial partners regarding specific aspects within the project goals is possible. The candidate is expected to be willing to undertake research tasks beyond the project's description, provided they align with the mission of ICTQT and the group leader’s interests.

About ICTQT UG
The International Centre for Theory of Quantum Technologies (ICTQT) is a joint research unit of the
University of Gdańsk (UG) and the Institute of Quantum Optics and Quantum Information of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IQOQI-Vienna) subordinated to the UG Rector. ICTQT was established in 2018 as a part of the International Research Agendas program co-financed by the Foundation for Polish Science. The founders of ICTQT are Marek Zukowski and Pawel Horodecki.
ICTQT is a pioneering and leading quantum information research center in Poland, focused on quantum communication and new computing techniques. The purpose of the ICTQT is to conduct scientific research and development works under the adopted ICTQT Research Agenda, in an international academic environment and at the highest academic level, with due regard for high ethical standards, good academic practice in particular, and to disseminate knowledge.
ICTQT is located in Gdansk, near Gdynia and Sopot, which together form Tri-City. The mentioned region is the cradle of Polish jazz and rock festivals. Moreover, it is one of Poland’s most beautifully located urban areas, with sandy sea beaches, lakes, and woods nearby.

More information at: www.ictqt.ug.edu.pl .

Where to apply

E-mail

ictqt-careers@ug.edu.pl

Requirements

Research Field

Physics

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Computer science

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Mathematics

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

PhD degree in physics, mathematics, computer science, or other relevant subject (PhD degree obtained no earlier than March 2020).

The candidate should be interested in the research topic of the specific group to which they apply, and have a deep knowledge of the related science.

Good written and oral communication skills are appreciated.

Knowledge of English sufficient to enable free communication.

The candidate should be committed to working collaboratively within an inclusive and diverse multicultural environment.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Additional Information
Benefits

Full-time employment at the International Centre for Theory of Quantum Technologies at the University of Gdansk. The start date of employment is negotiable. The employment period may be extended after a periodic evaluation.

Monthly salary together with social security and health insurance up to 15.000 gross (depending on experience - based on research resume and publication record).

Full-time employment for 24 months. 

The start date of employment is negotiable.

Fund for travel and visits of collaborating scientists. 

Scientific and organizational support. 

Basic equipment and core facilities.

Friendly, inspiring, interdisciplinary environment, including close collaborations with the National Centre for Quantum Information (KCIK) and the Institute for Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics (IFTiA) at UG.

Eligibility criteria

General rules of the recruitment process:

Candidates may apply to more than one group within the FENG project. However, this must be declared in the recruitment form .

The decision will be made by the Selection Committee (SC) no later than 3 months from the deadline for submission of applications.

An interview is expected. The interview is planned for April 2025.

The SC reserves the right to invite only pre-selected candidates for the interview.

The SC’s decision is final and is not subject to appeal. 

The ISC reserves the right to close the competition without selecting a candidate.

In the event of resignation from accepting the position of the selected candidate, the SC has the right to send the offer to a person placed on the reserve list, and in the absence of such a list, the SC has the right to reconsider the applications submitted to the competition and to select another candidate.

Selection process

Required documents:

filled-in recruitment form ;

curriculum vitae;

A research resume with: a list of publications (if any), and a list of ongoing research projects (with specification of their role in the research if unclear); a list of talks at conferences and workshops (if any), and a list of academic prizes and awards (if any);

PDF files of (at most) three relevant papers by the candidate (or just web links, in the case of open access publications); 

Motivation letter (including statement of current scientific interests) – up to 2 pages;

Documents confirming academic degrees (a scan of a PhD diploma or a certificate of obtaining the title or confirmation of the planned date of defense (no later than 3 months from the date of announcement of the competition)). 

NOTE: Before signing the employment contract, the person selected in the competition is requested to submit to the University of Gdansk the original of the PhD diploma. At the stage of employment, other documents will not be recognized;

Reference letters for the candidate sent by two senior researchers (the candidate is expected to contact the referees and ask them to send reference letters directly to ictqt-careers@ug.edu.pl . The letters must be sent before the deadline for submitting applications).

All required documents should be prepared in English.

Website for additional job details

https://ictqt.ug.edu.pl/pages/careers/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

International Centre for Theory of Quantum Technologies University of Gdańsk

Country

Poland

State/Province

województwo pomorskie

City

Gdańsk

Postal Code

80309

Street

Jana Bażyńskiego 1A

Geofield

Contact

City

Gdansk

Website

https://ictqt.ug.edu.pl
https://en.ug.edu.pl/university/about_us

Street

Jana Bażyńskiego 1A

Postal Code

80309

E-Mail

ictqt@ug.edu.pl
ictqt-careers@ug.edu.pl

STATUS: EXPIRED

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