We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to investigate the application of quantum computing to sampling algorithms for scientific applications. In particular, the intended focus is to investigate quantum speed-ups for ray tracing, a sampling algorithm with many practical applications, with a view towards meteorological applications.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in the theory of quantum algorithms. Experience with meteorology and ray tracing is appreciated but not required.

This project encompasses both theoretical directions, in developing the mathematical foundations of new quantum algorithms, and the option to test and implement new algorithms you might develop. Towards proof-of-concept implementations and simulations, you will collaborate with experts on atmospheric modeling from Wageningen University, notable the group of dr. ir. Chiel van Heerwaarden, with support from the HPC facilities and quantum simulation expertise of SURF.

You will be employed at the Institute for Informatics (IvI) at the University of Amsterdam (UvA), and you will be a member of QuSoft, the Dutch research institute for quantum software, which houses experts on all topics in quantum computing.  Together, the local institutes form a rich research ecosystem with opportunities to work together with computer scientists, physicists and mathematicians from the various groups situated at the Amsterdam Science Park. This project is made possible by support from the SURF programme on Quantum Computing, part of the SURF Open Innovation Lab.

What are you going to do?

The project is a scientific exploration of the possibilities of speeding up raytracing using quantum algorithms. Your research within this exploration can encompass several aspects of this question, including:

• study state-of-the-art classical ray tracing as currently applied in atmospheric modelling, and other areas of science;
• proving results on the capabilities of quantum ray tracing algorithms, and quantum sampling algorithms in general;
• develop new quantum algorithms for these tasks;
• implement proof-of-concept versions of new quantum ray tracing algorithms on atmospheric data and analyze their accuracy and performance;
• collaborate with experts from classical scientific communities on this new research line;
• write, publish, and present scientific papers disseminating your results.

What do we require?

• A PhD in quantum algorithms, or related topic.
• Interest and experience with sampling algorithms or related is a plus.
• High proficiency in English.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours a week, for the duration of 12 months. The preferred starting date is as soon as possible.

The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be €2,790 to €4,402 (scale 10) gross per month, based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.

University of Amsterdam

With over 6,000 employees, 30,000 students and a budget of more than 600 million euros, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is an intellectual hub within the Netherlands. Teaching and research at the UvA are conducted within seven faculties: Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Economics and Business, Law, Science, Medicine and Dentistry. Housed on four city campuses in or near the heart of Amsterdam, where disciplines come together and interact, the faculties have close links with thousands of researchers and hundreds of institutions at home and abroad.  

The UvA’s students and employees are independent thinkers, competent rebels who dare to question dogmas and aren’t satisfied with easy answers and standard solutions. To work at the UvA is to work in an independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterised by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society.

Faculty of Science – Informatics Institute

About us

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 7,000, as well as 1,600 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The mission of the Informatics Institute is to perform curiosity-driven and use-inspired fundamental research in Computer Science. The main research themes are Artificial Intelligence, Computational Science and Systems and Network Engineering. Our research involves complex information systems at large, with a focus on collaborative, data driven, computational and intelligent systems, all with a strong interactive component.