Are you passionate about quantum technologies and eager to further develop a Rydberg atom quantum computing platform as a 24/7 user-facility for hybrid quantum comping? Join us! We are looking for a candidate that drives the translation and implementation of real-world problems with our quantum computing capabilities, from the application programming interface (API) to code executable on our hardware.

Project and Job description

At TU/e, the ultracold atom lab of QT/e, part of the Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute, is developing and constructing a pulse-based Rydberg atom quantum computing platform. This project is part of the KAT-1 Quantum Delta NL program on Rydberg-atom based hybrid quantum computing, which is a demonstrator program based on Quantum Inspire: the European quantum computer that is 24/7 online available for users. In 2024, our qubits will be added and we are looking for quantum engineers/postdocs to make this happen. The selected candidate will play a leading role in the full-stack integration of the quantum computing platform and aid the conversion of (scientific) questions into feasible quantum calculations. They will collaborate with the Eindhoven high-performance computing center (HPC) and also interface the platform with Quantum Inspire, making it accessible for the wider community.

Our platform for hybrid quantum computing and quantum simulation is formed around a quantum co-processor, with qubits based on ultracold (Rydberg) atoms. With optical tweezers these atoms are held in a lattice configuration with good controllability and readout. With excitation to Rydberg states, strong nearest-neighbour coupling can be realized, giving rise to multi-qubit entanglement. This platform is very suitable for specific tasks such as hybrid algorithms for quantum chemistry problems.

Concretely, the candidate will develop a Quantum Computing Gateway to interface between the user, either directly or via Quantum Inspire, and an Integrated Hybrid System consisting of the Rydberg system and a high-performance computing environment. The quantum computing gateway provides the management for job scheduling and queues and acts as an application programming interface (API) between high-level code and compiled instructions for nanosecond timing resolution and sub-microsecond latency of control procedures on the Rydberg system, while the integrated hybrid system provides a seamless and consistent flow of information and functionality between quantum and classical computations necessary for fast implementation of hybrid quantum algorithms. Direct access via the quantum computing gateway will allow algorithm developers substantially more flexibility in designing pulse-based algorithms for direct implementation on the Rydberg system. 

The selected candidate will work together with several PhD candidates, fellow postdocs/quantum engineers (other vacancies available, please see V34.6151 and V34.6152), MSc students and the PI's within the ultracold atom team at QT/e. In collaboration with the HPC Lab and SURF, the candidate will assess the computational requirements needed for the interface, and develop the necessary infrastructure. Moreover they will collaborate with the ultracold strontium lab at the UvA in Amsterdam, other partners within the Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute and the wider quantum research network in the Netherlands. The work will be carried out in the Center for Quantum Materials and Technology (QT/e) within the CQT research group.

We welcome applications from candidates with experience in ultracold atoms and/or quantum computing related fields, who have a strong affinity algorithm and interface development. We are especially looking for candidates who take the initiative, work well in a team and know how to manage projects and guide PhD candidates.  

Other requirements are:

• PhD in computer science, physics or a comparable domain.
• Experience and affinity with software development, API-integration, quantum computing algorithms and/or high-performance computing and applications thereof.
• Ability to conduct high quality research and technological development.
• Good team spirit, and interest to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary and international environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are a prerequisite.
• Good supervision and collaborative skills.

Besides working on a state-of-art quantum computer and developing it into a user-friendly facility in an inspiring and international setting, we offer the following conditions of employment:  

• A full-time employment (1.0 fte) for up to 3 years, with a gross monthly salary in the range of € 3.557 and € 5.439 (scale 10-11) based on your degree and previous experience. Besides that, we offer an annual holiday allowance of 8%, an annual end of the year bonus of 8,3%, a total of 41 days of paid holiday. The gross monthly salary and benefits are in accordance with Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences. 
• Free access to high-quality training programs for research and valorization, and didactical courses of the TEACH training program.
• A broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes).  
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities. 
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.