Building a platform for modelling molecules on quantum computers
Within the the EU QT-Flagship, the OpenSuperQ consortium will build a cloud-based superconducting quantum computer. As part of this effort, we are currently seeking a Postdoc in Computational Quantum Chemistry, who will work in the Chalmers team modelling physical systems on quantum computers. The aim is to develop algorithms for calculating the electronic structure and energy surfaces of molecules of relevance to prebiotic chemistry, beginning with water and hydrogen cyanide, and to run them on the available simulated and physical quantum hardware. The calculations will benchmark quantum computers and provide tests of quantum advantage and quantum superiority.

About the Quantum technologies flagship
The QT-Flagship is a 10 year one billion Euro European effort to stay at the forefront of Quantum Information Processing. The first funding period covers 3 years, starting 1 October 2018. OpenSuperQ is one out of two major quantum computing projects that were funded. The mission of OpenSuperQ is to create a 50-100 qubit quantum processor in 3 years, to match efforts at Google, IBM, Rigetti, Intel, as well as similar efforts in Canada and China. 

About the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology - WACQT
The Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT) is a 10-year initiative aimed to bring Swedish academia and industry to the forefront of Quantum Technology (QT). The four pillars of QT are: Quantum Computing, Quantum Simulation, Quantum Communication and Quantum Sensing. The centre is funded mainly by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundations with additional contributions from the participating universities and industry. At Chalmers, the focus will be to build a superconducting quantum computer/simulator and to explore useful applications of quantum computing/simulation. As a Postdoc within OpenSuperQ you will be closely interacting with Postdocs and PhD students in WACQT.

About the Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2)
At the AQP laboratory we work on theoretical aspects of future high performance nano-electronic systems. Our research covers a broad spectrum of problems, everything from the fundamental problems to the very applied ones. In particular, we are interested in quantum information processing with superconducting electronics, mesoscopic superconductivity and transport in nanostructures, molecular electronics, and graphene electronics. We work in close collaboration with the experimental groups at the Linnaeus Center “Engineered Quantum Systems” at Chalmers.

The MC2 houses a state-of-the-art Nanofabrication Laboratory cleanroom facility.

About the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
The work will include close collaboration with theorists and experimentalists within OpenSuperQ and a Chalmers research group in Quantum Chemistry. The chemistry research group utilizes a broad range of methodologies, from structure search algorithms coupled to massively parallelized density functional theory calculations for predicting new materials, to ab initio calculation of properties, performance and detection characteristics. We ask fundamental questions and are interested in chemically realistic in silico design of challenging new materials, prebiotic chemistry, and the development of new conceptual methods for analysing electronic structure.

Details of the departmental research activities can be found here.

Details about the research group can be found here.

Major responsibilities
Algorithm development and testing of quantum computation applied to quantum chemical problems. One focus will be on correlated wave function calculations using coupled cluster or multi-reference methods.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
Required qualifications:
• PhD in Theoretical Chemistry or equivalent.
• Fluency in English, oral and written; interest and skills in working collaboratively as well as independently.
• Experience working with state-of-the-art multireference quantum chemistry methods.

Desired qualifications:
• Experience of Computational Physics, Computational Chemistry, and/or Quantum Information Processing. Experience of numerical modeling, method development in quantum chemistry, quantum information science, and python programming. Experience developing wave function methods, such as coupled cluster and multi reference SCF methods is an advantage. The candidate should appreciate working in projects together with experimentalists. 

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20180624 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number) including:
• 1-3 pages where you introduce yourself and present your qualifications.
• Previous research fields and main research results.
• Future goals and research focus. Are there any specific projects and research issues you are primarily interested in?

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Apply here! 

Application deadline: 31 January 2018

For questions, please contact:
Professor Göran Johansson,
MC2/AQP,
[email protected],
+46-31-772 3237