PhD position in Qubit-aware quantum algorithm development

We are looking for applicants for the PhD project “Qubit-aware quantum algorithm development”. The overall goal of the project is to identify areas of applications for quantum algorithms, for which the quantum resources needed are minimal while still witnessing quantum speed-up compared to state-of-the-art classical methods. Importantly, the candidate will not just try out another implementation of a quantum algorithm for which there is no analytical evidence that it will scale with a significant quantum advantage. Rather, the idea is to be aware of state-of-the-art classical methods and derive results that inform for what problems of practical interest one might eventually want to run quantum algorithms. Collaboration with (future) industrial users of quantum algorithms will be encouraged.

The project is a cooperation between the Chair of Quantum Information Systems in computer science and the Institute for Quantum Information group and will be jointly supervised by Mario Berta and Dominique Unruh.

How to apply? Please send the following documents to both Mario Berta and Dominique Unruh:

• A letter of motivation including how exactly you see your connection to the project
• Curriculum vitae (please explain your scientific background)
• List of publications, if any
• A summary explaining your master thesis/thesis project (and possible connections to the position)
• At least two letters of reference (please ask for the letters to be sent directly to us)
• Masters degree (if you do not have it yet, provide whatever confirmation you can get)
• Transcript of records

All documents (except the recommendation letters) should be formatted as a single pdf-file. You should send your application ultimately by November 7, 2023 (AoE) by e-mail to both:

berta@physik.rwth-aachen.de and unruh@cs.rwth-aachen.de

Enquiries can also be directed to these e-mail addresses.

Required profile:

Candidates must have (or soon obtain) a master degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or related area and have completed their studies with excellent grades. You should have interest in performing original, highly competitive scientific research, publishing your results in top conferences and scientific journals. Self-motivation and the ability to work both independently and as a team player in local and international research groups are expected. Fluency in English is required; proficiency in German is helpful but not compulsory.

What do we offer? We offer a stimulating international research environment, the possibility to participate in highly competitive and interdisciplinary research and the opportunity to involve students in your research through project work. Doctoral researchers have a status as employee with a salary according to the German federal employee scale TV-L E13; the exact salary is subject to your family situation. The duration of the position is four years.

RWTH Aachen University offers excellent facilities for professional and personal development.

Starting date of the position: early 2024.

RWTH Aachen University is certified as a “Family-Friendly University”. We particularly welcome and encourage applications from women, disabled persons and ethnic minority groups, recognizing they are underrepresented across RWTH Aachen University. The principles of fair and open competition apply and appointments will be made on merit.

 

Postdoc in the domain of coherent spin shuttling for scaling semiconductor qubits.

Copyright: © Lars Schreiber

The QuTech group at RWTH Aachen University is looking for a Postdoc in the domain of coherent spin shuttling for scaling semiconductor qubits.

Building on in-house fabricated devices, we have recently demonstrated the ability to shuttle electrons between gate defined quantum dots in Si/SiGe over micron-scale distances using only four different AC-voltages, independent of the distance covered [1]. Theoretical consideration indicate good prospects for maintaining spin-coherence of the shuttled electron, which would make this approach very promising for scaling up semiconductor spin qubits. We are looking for new team members to experimentally pursue this challenge. Key activities can include:

• Demonstration and experimental characterization of spin coherence during shuttling
• Shuttling-compatible demonstration of high-fidelity qubit control
• Demonstration of T-Junctions as step towards qubit grids (see Figure 1)
• Advancement of a shuttling based architecture with 2D-connectivity
• Migration to industrially fabricated devices

Locally fabricated devices as shown are available from the start, but we are also involved in implementing the concept based on industrial semiconductor technology to achieve the yield required for scaleup.

Ideal candidates would have the following profile

• In-depths experience with quantum control experiments on quantum dot qubits
• Good software development skills
• Experience with sub-Kelvin cryogenic techniques
• Strong aptitude for mentoring students
• Good communication skills
• A strong drive to conduct ambitious, cutting edge research towards scalable quantum computing
• A research track record commensurate with our ambition

Besides the involvement in a very exciting project, we offer:

• Involvement in a unique holistic approach spanning from exploring new ideas to their technological implementation
• A strong network, in particular with respect to semiconductor technology
• Innovative infrastructure
• Very good team atmosphere
• A balanced working environment
• A broader research environment with a strong quantum computing focus
• A competitive salary and benefits package
• Sailing opportunities

About the institute
The JARA-Institute for Quantum Information (JARA-QI), headed by David DiVincenzo and Hendrik Bluhm conducts theoretical research on many aspects of quantum computing an experimental research on semiconductor qubits. The institute has two parts, located at the sites Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, under the umbrella of the Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance (JARA).

In the domain of semiconductor qubits, the development and validation of an advanced architecture based on shuttling is currently one of our main activities. To this end, we pursue a holistic approach addressing material challenges, device simulation, fabrication, systematic characterization, high fidelity operation as well as integration and scaling technologies. Our ultimate vision is a fully integrated semiconductor processor with integrated low power control circuits to enable a scale up to millions of qubits.

Location

Aachen, known as a "Europastadt" (City of Europe), is Germany’s westernmost major city close to the German metropolis Cologne and Düsseldorf. Three nations with three languages converge at its boundaries putting Aachen at the center of a dynamic, cross-border region between Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium The resident RWTH Aachen University is one of the top ten German universities with extensive focus on Engineering and Natural sciences with currently more than 45,000 students. Because of the academic expertise here, RWTH Aachen Campus, Forschungszentrum Jülich and numerous research centers of international corporate groups have been established in and around Aachen, making the urban region a Silicon Valley at the heart of Europe.

Application procedure
Applications shall be submitted via email to Dr.-Ing. Markus Beckers. Should you have any questions about the application process or regarding vacancies please contact Dr.-Ing. Markus Beckers. While this announcement mostly targets a regular postdoc position, candidates with the appropriate track record will be considered for a permanent position as a research scientist now or at a later stage. Applications will be processed on a rolling basis and the positions will remain open until suitable candidates have been identified. The salary of the postdoc positions will be according to 100% of the E14 salary scale (NRW), varying on the relevant experience of applicants, and with a starting date as soon as possible. We promote equal opportunities and diversity in employment relations. Our group particularly welcomes applications from women and applicants with diverse backgrounds.

[1] Conveyor-mode single-electron shuttling in Si/SiGe for a scalable quantum computing architecture, Inga Seidler, Tom Struck, Ran Xue, Niels Focke, Stefan Trellenkamp, Hendrik Bluhm, Lars R. Schreiber, arXiv:2108.00879

 

Postdoc and PhD positions in Theoretical Quantum Technology at RWTH Aachen University and Forschungszentrum Jülich

The theoretical quantum technology group led by Prof. Markus Müller is offering postdoc (E13) and PhD positions (E13 3/4) to conduct research in the area of quantum information processing. The research focuses on:

• Advanced Quantum Computing, Topological Quantum Error Correction and Many-Body Physics with Trapped Ions, Rydberg Atoms and Rydberg Ions
• Verification and Certification of Quantum Fault-Tolerance
• Open Quantum Neural Networks - From Fundamental Concepts to Implementations with Atoms and Photons

Candidates need to have a strong background in theoretical physics, strong academic record, commitment and motivation. We seek postdoctoral applicants preferentially with a experience in quantum information theory, quantum error correction and fault-tolerance, atomic physics and quantum optics, quantum or classical machine learning, quantum benchmarking, or closely related fields; for PhD applicants, previous experience in quantum information and programming is desirable. We particularly welcome applications from women and applicants
with diverse backgrounds.

Our group is highly passionate about research, with an inclusive and open working environment, and substantial international collaborations with leading theoretical and experimental groups and industrial partners. We are part of a vibrant, growing research environment, including JARA and the Cluster of Excellence ML4Q. Successful applicants are expected to actively engage in ongoing local and international collaborations and activities.

Applications should include a cover letter (including motivation), CV (including publication list), and a brief (max two pages) research statement. For postdoc (PhD) applications two (one) letters of recommendation should be arranged for. PhD applications should include a copy of the master thesis and transcripts. The positions are related to EU, ERC, US, and German BMBF/MQV funding. Postdoc (PhD) positions will run for at least two (three) years, with the possibility of extensions.

Applications and enquiries shall be sent to m.mueller@physik.rwth-aachen.de. Review of applications will begin on December 17th and continue until the positions are filled. Positions can start as soon as possible.

 

General Inquiries

Even when there are no officially posted openings, we are always looking for enthusiastic students and postdocs. Please contact the institute faculty to discuss current opportunities.