Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Physics, Institute for Quantum Physics, Universität Hamburg, offers Research Associate position for the Project “Rydberg Quantum Computing Platforms: hardware- and cost-efficient error correction”

Basic information

• Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L
• Start date: 01.05.2025 pending approval of external funding, fixed until 30.04.2028 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labour contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).
• Application deadline: 15.03.2025

Scope of work

• Part-time
• Weekly hours: 75 % of standard work hours per week

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.

• Conduct original theoretical physics research for the development of low-cost and hardware-efficient error correction methods in Rydberg quantum computing platforms
• Develop platform-optimized error correcting algorithms with the aim to minimize the required number of quantum gates and qubits
• Study and analyse performance and quality of these newly developed quantum algorithms by comparing them to existing generic strategies
• Investigate the potential of non-classical driving for improving gate-speeds in Rydberg quantum computing platforms and hence the error rates
• Engage with the project’s experimental and theory groups to obtain realistic parameters and report back requirements and conditions for the quantum hardware to run error-corrected quantum algorithms
• Write research papers for internationally refereed journals and presenting results at national and international conferences
• Manage the research project on a day-to-day basis and regularly report progress to D. Jaksch
• Contribute to the writing of project reports required and assisting with other administrative duties as required
• Contribute to the positive atmosphere, maintenance and smooth running of the group, as required
• Contribute to the intellectual life of the research group and the collaboration, including participating in video and teleconference meetings as required, and travelling for national and international workshops and meetings

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

• Completed university studies in natural sciences (Master’s degree or equivalent) in theoretical physics or a closely related field
• Excellent knowledge of quantum mechanics, quantum computing and quantum information; familiarity with Rydberg quantum computing platforms and error-correction is an advantage
• Expertise in numerical methods for the study of many-body quantum systems is desired
• A proven track record in conducting physics research, e.g. through an MSc thesis, ideally in theoretical physics and/or quantum information theory
• Excellent aural and written communication skills
• Proficient computing and programming skills
• Ability to grasp complex theoretical physics concepts quickly and apply them to novel research questions

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management, EGYM Wellpass
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

About Universität Hamburg

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg promotes equal opportunity. As women are currently underrepresented in this job category at the University of Hamburg according to the evaluation conducted under the Hamburg act on gender equality (Hamburgisches Gleichstellungsgesetz, HambGleiG), we encourage women to apply for this position. Equally qualified and suitable female applicants will receive preference.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

You can use the following link to review the job advertisement and apply: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/stellenangebote/ausschreibung.html?jobID=ea2c2d81a9149eda19281046992d8b6f34c7390c