Research Fellow

Research Fellow in Quantum Algorithms for Chemical Reaction Networks (828923)

FTE: 1 (35 hours/week)

Contract type: Fixed Term (12 months)

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to develop algorithms suitable for solving Chemical Reaction Networks (CRNs) on quantum computing hardware within the quantum computing team led by Professor Jonathan Pritchard at the University of Strathclyde. Working closely with an industrial end-user with expertise in quantum algorithms,and chemistry, this collaboration will design and numerically benchmark algorithms targeting new approaches to solvingCRNs, with a focus on application of annealing based quantum optimisation methods.

Initially this will target analysis of graph-based algorithms suitable for neutral atom quantum computers, given their potentialscalability, and availability of hardware offering qubit coherence times much longer than the relevant annealing timescales,with scope to explore relevance to other hardware platforms such as superconducting qubit annealers that offer differenttopologies for qubit connectivity. Specifically, this project will investigate solution of simplified CRN problems bydevelopment of suitable mapping to allow encoding onto quantum hardware, and performing numerical simulations to assessthe performance of direct quantum annealing as well as hybrid quantum-classical approaches.

As a Research Fellow, you will engage as an independent researcher in individual and collaborative research, establishing adistinctive programme of research and disseminating results through regular publications in high impact journals, books and conference proceedings. You will apply, as Principal Investigator and/or Co-Investigator, to appropriate external bodies for research funding and manage grants awarded. You will manage a research team (students and staff), providing direction,support and guidance and you will participate in and develop external networks to foster research collaborations, to informthe development of research objectives and to identify potential sources of funding.

You will develop knowledge exchangeactivities by, for example, establishing research links with industry and influencing public policy and the professions and youwill collaborate with colleagues to ensure that research advances inform departmental teaching effort, including contributing to relevant teaching programmes as appropriate. You will carry out Department/School, Faculty and/or Universityadministrative and management functions, for example through membership of committees and engage in continuous professional development.

To be considered for the role, you will be educated to a minimum of PhD level with expertise in quantum algorithms,quantum simulation, or have significant relevant experience in addition to a relevant degree. You will have research interestsconsistent with the strategic direction of the Department/School, a body of published research in high quality publicationsdemonstrating standards of excellence, and an ability to develop research proposals and to attract funding and researchstudents, as appropriate to the discipline, including experience of contributing to grant applications.

You will have an abilityto plan and organise research programmes, to ensure successful completion and you will have experience of planning and organising workloads, including the ability to supervise and delegate work. You will have an ability to work within a team environment and to lead teams and excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to listen, engage and persuade, and to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of audiences.

This post is funded through an externally funded research programme. Due to the nature of the funding and associated eligibility requirements, applications will only be considered from UK nationals who meetthe essential criteria for the role. This restriction applies solely to comply with the funder's conditions and relevant regulatory requirements.

The position will be hosted in the Department of Physics which is internationally recognised for its research excellence,industrial engagement and first-class teaching programmes. The department is world-leading in quantum technologyresearch, with active programmes across quantum computing, sensing, timing and simulation spanning fundamental scienceto applied studies.

The successful candidate will join the Neutral Atom Quantum Computing team…