Two PhD positions in Electrical- and Computer Engineering

Updated: 3 months ago
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 24 Feb 2025

5 Feb 2025
Job Information
Organisation/Company

University of Iceland
Department

Division of Human Resources
Research Field

Engineering » Electrical engineering
Engineering » Computer engineering
Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions

PhD Positions
Country

Iceland
Application Deadline

24 Feb 2025 - 23:59 (Atlantic/Reykjavik)
Type of Contract

Temporary
Job Status

Full-time
Offer Starting Date

1 May 2025
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Applications are invited for two full-time PhD student positions in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Both positions lie in the interdisciplinary field of hybrid quantum-classical computing for Earth Observation, leveraging modular supercomputing and digital-analog quantum systems. These positions are fully funded by the Icelandic Research Fund (RANNIS) for three years and involve close collaboration between the University of Iceland and the Jülich Supercomputing Centre (Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany), as well as with other international institutions and companies active in this domain.

Quantum technologies encompass various fields such as quantum communications, quantum sensing, and quantum computing. Although the practical applications of these areas are still in their early stages, they hold tremendous potential. Research has demonstrated that quantum computers can solve complex problems, such as factoring large numbers and decrypting encoded messages, significantly faster than traditional computers.

This project integrates classical computing methods with quantum approaches to solve computationally intensive problems in geosciences and remote sensing. This type of data consist of images and measurements collected by satellites and other sensors, which are essential for monitoring environmental conditions.

The project will develop a hybrid quantum-classical approach, leveraging high-performance computing (HPC) to analyze large-scale remote sensing data. By combining supercomputers with quantum computing, the project aims to overcome current quantum computing challenges, such as limited qubit availability and quantum noise. This hybrid model is designed to improve efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility in remote sensing data processing.

Within this project, one PhD candidate will focus on analog quantum computers, while the other will focus on digital quantum computers. Both candidates will share the following key objectives:

  • Conduct in-depth analyses of remote sensing methods and identify hardware requirements for hybrid quantum-classical computing approaches.
  • Develop and implement hybrid quantum-classical computing methods on HPC systems, addressing current limitations of quantum techniques.
  • Adapt these methods to specific remote sensing applications, which will be used to evaluate their effectiveness.
  • Participate in and contribute to educational events such as courses and hackathons designed for researchers from diverse backgrounds.
  • Assist in preparing detailed and regular progress reports on the project's development.
  • Present research findings to stakeholders and the broader scientific community at meetings, conferences, and in peer-reviewed journals.

Where to apply
Website
https://radningarkerfi.orri.is/?s=40669&oj_Router=1N4IgTg9hAuIFwgPwGcC8AWADANmw…

Requirements
Research Field
Engineering » Electrical engineering
Education Level
Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications
  • A Master's degree (MSc) in quantum physics, computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, or a related field.
  • Experience with quantum computing programming is an advantage.
  • Knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques.
  • Strong spoken and written English skills.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

The hiring is contingent on the candidate applying formally for the Ph.D. program at the University of Iceland at the corresponding department and that the application is approved by the faculty.


Additional Information
Eligibility criteria

The PhD student position starts no later than the spring of 2025.

Applications should include:

  • A cover letter
  • A CV (stating relevant work experience, knowledge in computer programming, and a list of publications if any)
  • Copies of university diplomas (BS and MS), course listings with grade information (in English)
  • One-page statement of research interests
  • Names and full contact information of two professional referees (including their relationship to the applicant)
  • TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent test results

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications are valid in the system for 6 months after the application deadline. 

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Action Policy of the University of Iceland .

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy.

The University of Iceland is the largest teaching, research and science institute in Iceland. The University of Iceland is a growing community of knowledge and is a very dynamic and interesting workplace. Our values are academic freedom, professionalism, and equality. The University strives to provide flexibility and encourages participation in the progression of the studies and research in all fields within the realm of the University.

The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs around 400 people involved with teaching and research. The School offers an international working environment, with the number of international employees and students increasing each year. Currently about quarter of all employees and graduate students are international. The school has 2000 students and numerous graduate students. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences is proud of its' diversity and reform-minded environment where knowledge acquisition and sharing is paramount.

For further information please visit the University of Iceland  and International Staff Services  webpages.


Work Location(s)
Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
University of Iceland
Country
Iceland
City
Reykjavik
Postal Code
101
Geofield


Contact
City

Reykjavík
Website

http://www.hi.is
Street

Sæmundargata 6
Postal Code

101
Phone

6636851

STATUS: EXPIRED

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