PhD Position: Error Mitigation Strategies for Quantum Chemistry on Noisy Intermediate-scale Quantum Computers

Application deadline: 15 October 2024 at 23.59 hours local Danish time.
A PhD position within quantum computing focused on developing novel error mitigation strategies tailored towards quantum chemical methods on quantum computers is available at the Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Pharmacy. This position is fully funded by the Danish e-Infrastructure Cooperation (DeIC). Starting date: 15 December 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter. It is a strict requirement that this position is started in the year of 2024. The PhD position can be either 5+3 or 4+4.

Project background
Traditional quantum chemical methods possess well-known limitations concerning both the accuracy and size of the molecular systems to be studied. Methods based on quantum computing are believed to be particularly well suited for simulating quantum systems like molecules and may enable a significant computational speed-up. However, given the existence of conventional numerical methods that have been refined over decades, it is still uncertain if quantum algorithms in practice indeed can provide a genuine quantum advantage over established techniques. A major reason for this uncertainty is related to the lack of effective error mitigation strategies when executing the quantum algorithms on real quantum devices. This PhD project seeks to develop and validate novel error mitigation strategies tailored towards quantum chemical methods both in relation to the calculation of molecular energies, and specifically also in relation to quantum chemistry algorithms designed for molecular property calculations.

The PhD project is funded by the National Quantum Algorithm Academy (NQAA) under the Danish e-Infrastructure Consortium (DeiC) with the goal of developing quantum algorithms and software. This PhD project will take great advantage of the fundamental quantum chemistry developments from the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) funded project “Hybrid Quantum Chemistry on Hybrid Quantum Computers (HQC)2”, which the PI is part of. This PhD project will furthermore benefit from the infrastructure already available to (HQC)2.

Qualifications
To apply for this PhD position, the candidate must hold an MSc in computational chemistry, computational physics, computer science, or a closely related area. Previous and documented experience with method development within either quantum chemistry or quantum computing is considered an advantage.

At least one of the following additional qualifications is required:
- Experience with the development of quantum computing algorithms for quantum chemistry applications on NISQ quantum computers and/or quantum simulators.
- Experience with quantum computing software libraries like IBM Qiskit or equivalent.
- Experience in method development within quantum chemistry on conventional/classic hardware.
- Programming experience with Python and/or compiled languages like C++ and Fortran.

The candidate must be able to work independently and must be fluent in English, both oral and written.
For further information about the position, please contact Professor Jacob Kongsted ([email protected]).

The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is one of four departments at the Faculty of Science, SDU and is located in Odense. The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is a department focused on basic research. We are happy to move beyond traditional disciplines and work to develop new technologies and sciences across physics, chemistry, pharmacy, mathematics, computer science and biology. The department’s research thus contributes to new knowledge and solutions with applications in the areas of climate, environment, energy, and health.

The PhD candidate will be part of the Section for Chemistry and Pharmacy.

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three (students who have completed their MSc) or four years (students who have not yet completed their MSc). Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information salary (only available in Danish) and taxation.

The successful candidate will be enrolled at this university in accordance with faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Application must be in English and made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:
• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) (please attach this under box "Application form")
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades
• The names and complete contact details of at least two referees.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.

Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply now". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

Placering: Odense, Denmark