Research Associate for the Project "BeRyQC"

InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Physics, Institute for Quantum Physics

Salary levelEGR. 13 TV-L

Start date , fixed until This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline

Scope of workfull-time position suitable for part-time

The goal of this project is to develop and analyze application-oriented benchmarks for Rydberg quantum computers, which represent a promising path towards fault tolerant and scalable quantum computing. The project addresses a broad range of optimization problems relevant to both science and industry, distinguishing between combinatorial and continuous optimization tasks. Benchmarks will be established to quantitatively link the characteristic properties of Rydberg quantum hardware to the complexity and solvability of these problems. The developed methodologies will be tested and validated on emulators that incorporate realistic hardware error models, with an emphasis on the uniqueness of Rydberg-based platforms. Emphasis will be placed on evaluating the practical applicability of current and next-generation Rydberg quantum processors and on providing benchmarks that are relevant both for end-users and for standardization efforts within the field. The project is carried out in close collaboration with leading theoretical, experimental, and industrial partners, ensuring the direct transfer of project results into practical and standardization contexts.

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications.

• conduct original theoretical research on the development of application-oriented benchmarking protocols for Rydberg quantum computing platforms, with a focus on both quantum annealing and circuit-based approaches
• develop and implement specialized emulators for classical simulation of Rydberg quantum computing hardware, focusing on the effects of interaction characteristics, error models, and controllability of Rydberg atom arrays
• investigate the scalability and reliability of generating highly entangled states (including Clifford, graph, hypergraph, Dicke, and matrix product states) on Rydberg quantum computers and their implications for benchmarking quantum resources
• design and evaluate benchmarks for assessing the solvability of combinatorial optimization problems (e.g., QUBO) on Rydberg annealers, including the impact of hardware-specific interaction bandwidth, coherence times, and error rates
• study variation of benchmark results under circuit transpilation, hardware-adapted optimization, and error mitigation techniques, aiming to identify requirements, limitations, and pathways for improvement of both hardware and algorithms
• analyze variational ansatz circuits for continuous optimization problems within the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) and similar frameworks, benchmarking their efficiency, robustness against imperfections, and the mitigating of 'barren plateaus'
• develop and document measurement schemes and data processing protocols to efficiently certify key quantum resources (such as entanglement fidelity), minimizing experimental overhead
• collaborate closely with theory and experimental groups within the consortium, as well as with industrial partners, to incorporate realistic experimental parameters and relevant application cases from science and industry
• write and publish research papers for internationally refereed journals, and present results at national and international conferences and workshops
• manage the research project on a day-to-day basis and regularly report progress to Prof. Dieter Jaksch
• contribute to the writing of project reports as required and assist with other administrative duties, as necessary
• contribute to the positive atmosphere, maintenance and smooth running of the group, as required
• engage actively in the intellectual life of the research group and project consortium, including regular participation in workshops, video calls, and other collaborative meetings, both locally and internationally

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

• completed university degree in physics or a related field (Master)
• a doctoral degree (or near completion) in physics or a closely related field
• strong background in quantum mechanics and quantum information; experience with quantum computing platforms, especially neutral atom or Rydberg systems, is advantageous
• proven experience with numerical methods and scientific programming for quantum systems
• a strong record of research achievement as demonstrated by publications in international journals

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management, EGYM Wellpass
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle "Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age" drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

The University of Hamburg strives to increase the number of women in academia, and encourages qualified female academics to apply.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

Instructions for applying

Contact

Dieter Jaksch

Pınar Sönmez

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Reference number

320

Location

Luruper Chaussee 149

22761 Hamburg

Application deadline

Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:

• cover letter
• CV
• copies of degree certificate(s)

If you experience technical problems, send an email to -