Doctoral Student in Quantum Error Correction

We invite applications for a doctoral position in the theory of quantum error correction at ETH Zurich, supervised by Joseph M. Renes and co-supervised by Renato Renner.

Quantum computers promise capabilities far beyond today's computers, but only if we can reliably protect quantum information from errors. Quantum error correction (QEC) is therefore one of the central challenges on the path toward large-scale quantum computing. In this Doctoral project, you will investigate the fundamental limits of quantum error correction.

The position is part of QuBriC, the first European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCDN) dedicated entirely to QEC, and includes secondments to Politecnico di Milano and Quantinuum in Cambridge, England. The PhD position is fully funded for 3 years.

The expected starting date is early 2027.

• Your main responsibility will be to conduct high-quality research within the project and progressively develop your own research ideas
• The exact direction of the project can be shaped according to your background and research interests
• You will perform numerical experiments and theoretical analysis, develop algorithms and software, and communicate your results through publications and presentations at leading international conferences and journals
• You will collaborate extensively with researchers within QuBriC and participate in the network's research, training, and dissemination activities.
• The position also includes teaching at the undergraduate and Master's level and other departmental duties, corresponding to up to 20% full time
• The position is a fixed-term appointment of three years, with a starting salary of 61'400.00 CHF per annum.

To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (or equivalent) in physics, mathematics, electrical engineering, computer science, or a closely related field.

The following will strengthen your application:

• A strong mathematical background, with roots in either information theory or quantum information science
• Curiosity about the implications of quantum mechanics for information processing
• Motivation to deliver ambitious, high-quality work
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an international research environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, Matlab, or similar)
• Familiarity with classical and/or quantum coding theory, error correcting codes, and decoding algorithms
• Previous experience in research and teaching

Because this position is funded through a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network, additional eligibility requirements  particular:

• Candidates must not already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment
• Mobility rule:
  The candiate must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the
  36 months immediately before their recruitment date

• You will be part of a welcoming, open and interactive research group in the Institute of Theoretical Physics, working at the intersection of quantum information theory, quantum cryptography, and quantum foundations
• Our working language is English
• As part of QuBriC, you will join a cohort of 15 MSCDN doctoral candidates based in Europe's leading QEC groups, and you will meet them regularly at network-wide training schools, workshops and conferences

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