Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Computing Fluid Dynamics

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

Join us in exploring the future of computational fluid dynamics

How can quantum computers help us simulate turbulent flows that are beyond the reach of today’s classical computers?

We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our group at ETH Zurich and investigate quantum algorithms for turbulent fluid dynamics. The project focuses on the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) and its potential implementation on future quantum hardware, with applications to industrially relevant flows involving complex geometries and non-trivial boundary conditions.

The project is carried out in collaboration with IBM, providing the opportunity to work at the interface of computational fluid dynamics, quantum computing and high-performance scientific computing, and to engage with researchers from both academia and industry.

You will have substantial scientific independence while working closely with the ETH and IBM project teams. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extending the project to a second year based on the research results and project review.

You will lead the research activities on quantum approaches to fluid dynamics and contribute to defining the direction of the project.

• Investigate Lattice Boltzmann algorithms suitable for implementation on quantum computers, including different approaches to linearisation such as Kolmogorov, Koopman and Carleman methods.
• Study quantum algorithmic approaches for solving the resulting problems, including sparse Hamiltonian methods, block encoding and quantum linear systems algorithms (QLSAs).
• Develop and investigate novel linearisation, integration and algorithmic approaches where existing methods are not well suited to LBM.
• Explore hybrid classical–quantum approaches, including the combination of LBM for wall treatment with Navier–Stokes formulations for internal flows.
• Compare LBM with alternative formulations, particularly Navier–Stokes, in terms of quantum resource requirements, numerical stability, scalability and suitability for realistic applications.
• Quantify the potential for quantum advantage in fluid-dynamics problems at high Reynolds numbers, including the influence of flow geometry.
• Develop theoretical and computational evidence for quantum advantage on a simplified but industrially relevant fluid-dynamics problem.
• Depending on the research findings, develop a proof-of-concept demonstration involving complex geometry and non-trivial boundary conditions.
• Present research results to the ETH and IBM project teams, approximately every two weeks, and contribute to project planning and scientific discussions.
• Publish your findings in high-quality scientific journals and present them at international conferences.

You bring a strong background in quantum physics, computational science and a genuine interest in developing new approaches at the intersection of fluid dynamics and quantum computing. In particular:

• You hold a PhD in computational fluid dynamics, applied mathematics, physics, computer science, quantum computing, or a closely related field.
• You have strong expertise in: computational fluid dynamics, quantum physics, quantum algorithms, or quantum computing.
• You have experience developing and analysing numerical or computational methods for scientific applications.
• You are able to work independently on technically challenging research questions and formulate new approaches when existing methods are insufficient.
• You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills and are comfortable working across disciplinary boundaries.
• You communicate scientific results clearly in written and spoken English and enjoy…