Researcher Foundations of Quantum Machine Learning (IT-GOV-INN-2024-182-GRAP)

Job Description

Your responsibilities

The CERN Quantum Technology Initiative (CERN QTI) invites applications for a postdoctoral research position focusing on the theoretical foundations of quantum machine learning (QML) algorithms. This role aims to enhance the understanding and development of trainability, generalization, and robustness of QML algorithms towards the transition from NISQ to FTQC, where the interplay between data encoding and Quantum Singular Value Transformation-like techniques - such as block encoding and Linear Combination of Unitaries (LCU) - is crucial for achieving efficient quantum transformations that exploit the unique properties of quantum mechanics. A special emphasis on potential use cases in high energy physics (HEP) simulations as a direct application is preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct independent research on the theoretical aspects of quantum machine learning algorithms.
• Investigate the trainability, generalization, and robustness of QML models, particularly in the context of HEP simulations.
• Explore the interplay between quantum information and quantum field theory in the development of quantum computing algorithms.
• Combine the strengths of QSVT with tailored data encoding strategies and variational components, for robust and implementable algorithms for current quantum platforms but also designed to tackle large-scale and complex problems as quantum hardware advances.
• Supervise and mentor a group of younger researchers, including PhD and Master's students, guiding their research projects and fostering their academic growth.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of physicists, computer scientists, and engineers within CERN QTI.
• Publish research findings in leading scientific journals and present results at international conferences and workshops.

Your profile

Skills/Qualifications:

• PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a closely related field.
• Strong theoretical background in quantum information theory, representation learning, and quantum computing.
• Knowledge of group algebra and quantum field theory is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research, evidenced by a strong publication record.
• Experience in supervising and mentoring students or junior researchers is desirable.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Fluent in English, the ability to work in French would be an advantage.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State .
• You have a professional background in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics (or a related field) and have either:
  • a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
  • or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 1 December, 2024 at 23:59 CET.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Target start date: 01-February-2025

Application documents: 

• CV
• Copy of degree/transcript of records
• Optional: Reference letter, Research Statement

This position involves:

• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: IT-GOV-INN-2024-182-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6212 and 6828 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

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