The Institute of Materials Physics in Space is one of the leading institutes worldwide in the exploration of fundamental physical properties and the solidification of metallic li­quids, soft matter, and granular systems. In addition to experimental work in the labo­ratory and in microgravity, the institute works on computer simulations and theory to un­derstand the physical phenomena that occur.

The Quantum Computer Initiative is a major project of the German Aerospace Center in the development and use of quantum computers. In the field of materials physics, the initiative aims to lay the foundations for the future effective use of quantum hardware and corresponding algorithms.

Density Functional Theory (DFT) is a method used widely in statistical physics as well as mate­rials science. It has been refined with different levels of approximations and is by now a standard tool to determine material properties and dynamics (DDFT). The goal of the present project is to extend DFT into the realm of quantum calculations in order to discover novel phenomena and establish algorithms optimized for quantum hardware.

As a part of this project, you will be responsible for the following tasks:

• analytical calculations to amend and expand DFT for the specific problems in the quantum realm
• development of quantum computer algorithms and coordination with currently and future available hardware solutions
• publication of results in scientific journals and presentations at international scientific conferences

The dissertation work shall be performed at DLR in Cologne in collaboration with the Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf.

Online Application Form: DLR - Jobs & Careers - Quantum Density Functional Theory