Are you excited about fundamental questions in quantum information science? Would you like to join the world-leading group of researchers at QuSoft in Amsterdam?

QuSoft is the Dutch research Center for Quantum Software, a collaboration between the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI). Its mission is to explore and develop uses of quantum computers and other quantum technologies, for the benefit of society. The researchers at QuSoft develop algorithms, software and applications that exploit the extraordinary power of quantum computers based on their quantum mechanical properties, such as superposition, interference and entanglement. That requires fundamentally different techniques and approaches from those used to develop conventional software.

At the moment, we are looking for PhD candidates to fill the following positions:

1. Stacey Jeffery (CWI) will supervise a PhD project in the area of quantum computing and theoretical computer science. This can include quantum algorithms, cryptography, complexity theory, and/or models of quantum computation.
2. John van de Wetering (Informatics Institute of UvA) will supervise a PhD project in the area of quantum circuit compilation, including optimisation and classical simulation. Depending on the interests of the candidate the focus can also lie on other topics in compilation or quantum foundations.
3. Ludovico Lami (Mathematics, Physics UvA) will supervise a PhD project on the theoretical study of quantum resources, including quantum entanglement, non-stabiliser quantum computation ("magic"), and quantum thermodynamics. The focus, depending on the candidate's inclination, can be on new theoretical directions as well as on possible applications to physics.

What are you going to do?

You are expected to:

• carry out original research in quantum information processing;
• have strong analytical and technical skills;
• have an interdisciplinary mindset and an open and proactive personality in interacting with researchers from different disciplines;
• be active in the fundamental research area of quantum information processing, publishing in high level-international journals and presenting at leading conferences;
• take part in ongoing educational activities, such as assisting in a course and guiding student thesis projects, at the BSc or MSc level;

We are looking for a candidate with:

• an MSc in computer science, mathematics, physics or a related field;
• a strong scientific interest in quantum information processing;
• strong academic performance in university-level courses in the relevant subjects;
• professional command of English and good presentation skills;
• the willingness to work collaboratively with other researchers;

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is to be discussed. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

Your salary will range between €2,541 in the first year to €3,247 gross per month in the last year of employment, on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours. This does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8,3% year-end allowance the UvA offers. A favourable tax agreement, the '30% ruling', may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The UFO profile Promovendus is applicable. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• Multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• A complete educational program for PhD students;
• Multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• Multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• Partly paid parental leave;
• The possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• A pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• The possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• Help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you're moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

Faculty of Science

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity. The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 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.

Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) is the Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science and is linked to the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). The mission of CWI is to conduct pioneering research in mathematics and computer science, generating new knowledge in these fields and conveying it to trade, industry, and society at large. CWI is located at Science Park Amsterdam. It is an internationally oriented institute, with 160 scientists from approximately 30 countries. The facilities are first-rate and include excellent IT support, career planning, training, and courses.

QuSoft is the Dutch research Center for Quantum Software, a collaboration between the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI). Its mission is to explore and develop uses of quantum computers and other quantum technologies, for the benefit of society. The researchers at QuSoft develop algorithms, software and applications that exploit the extraordinary power of quantum computers based on their quantum mechanical properties, such as superposition, interference and entanglement. That requires fundamentally different techniques and approaches from those used to develop conventional software.

The Theory of Computer Science (TCS) group does research on the theoretical foundations of computer science. The aim is to seek greater understanding of fundamental computational techniques and their inherent limitations. You will be joining a growing and vibrant team of colleagues in Amsterdam all working in theoretical computer science from various UvA institutes such as IvI, the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC), the mathematics institute (KdVI), but also CWI and the VU. See https://theory.amsterdam for an overview.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• E: Christian Schaffner, c.schaffner@uva.nl , Stacey Jeffery, smjeffery@gmail.com