The Center for Advanced Systems Understanding (CASUS) is a German-Polish research center for data-intensive digital systems research. We combine innovative methods from mathematics, theoretical systems research, simulations, data science, and computer science to provide solutions for a range of disciplines – materials science under ambient and extreme conditions, earth system research, systems biology, and autonomous vehicles. CASUS was jointly founded in August 2019 by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, the Technical University of Dresden, and the University of Wroclaw. CASUS is located in the heart of Görlitz at the border between Germany and Poland. The CASUS start-up phase is hosted by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and is financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Saxon State Ministry of Science and Art.

We seek a motivated, creative, and curious candidate interested in performing research at the interface between matter under extreme conditions and quantum computing.

The Scope of Your Job

Your primary objective is to utilize the concept of near-term, noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) computing for phenomena in correlated many-fermion systems that persist in extreme states of matter, for example, in warm dense matter. Your research activities will include (1) developing NISQ algorithms in hybrid quantum-classical frameworks; (2) utilizing variational quantum eigensolvers (VQE) for correlated many-fermion systems that are complementary to classical computing algorithms (such as quantum Monte Carlo methods); (3) exploring how the noise in NISQ computing can be utilized in warm dense matter simulations. You will work closely with scientists who develop classical computing algorithms for solving the quantum many-body problem and, thereby, push the frontier of simulation capabilities for matter under extreme conditions.

Tasks

• Develop workflows utilizing NISQ algorithms, for example, hybrid quantum-classical algorithms
• Test the impact of NISQ algorithms for correlated many-fermion systems
• Explore how noise in NISQ computing can be utilized in correlated many-fermion systems
• Communicate your scientific results at academic venues
• Publish your scientific results in academic, peer-reviewed journals

Required Qualifications

• D. in physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related subject
• Expertise in quantum computing and algorithms
• Familiarity with basic concepts of optimization techniques
• Experience with modern software languages such as Python, C/C++ or Julia
• Strong motivation to work in a collaborative environment
• Excellent communication skills in a professional context (presentation of research results at scientific meetings, colloquial discussions, writing of manuscripts)

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with basic concepts of electronic structure theory
• Experience with quantum Monte Carlo and density functional methods
• Familiarity with virtual quantum computer backends
• Familiarity with quantum computing SDKs such qiskit, pyquil
• Experience in distributed version control (SVN/Git)

What We Offer

• A vibrant research community in an open, diverse, and international work environment
• Scientific excellence, broad national and international science networks
• Compensation and a comprehensive benefits package according to the guidelines of the HZDR

Submit your application (including a one-page cover letter, a tabulated CV, copies of recent academic certificates, transcripts, diplomas, and degrees) online on the HZDR application portal.