PhD in Quantum Algorithms for Gene Sequencing and Life Science

With the development of quantum computing hardware, there has been a growing interest in application areas where you would find the first quantum advantage for real-world problems. The currently most explored area is quantum chemistry while during the last few years there has been a growing interest in logistics optimization. Very recently there has been a number of publications on the possibility of quantum advantages in gene sequencing. In this project, you will be among the first in the world exploring this exciting possibility. The project is firmly supported by an environment with long-standing experience in gene-sequencing, both from a clinical and industrial perspective. It is also a part of the Wallenberg Center for Quantum Technology, where quantum advantages in quantum chemistry, logistics and machine learning is explored, in close connection with the quantum computing hardware being developed in the center.

ABOUT THE WALLENBERG CENTER FOR QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY – WACQT
The Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT) is a 12-year initiative aimed to bring Swedish academia and industry to the forefront of Quantum Technology (QT). The four pillars of QT are: Quantum Computing, Quantum Simulation, Quantum Communication and Quantum Sensing. The centre is funded mainly by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundations with additional contributions from the participating universities and industry. At Chalmers, the focus will be to build a superconducting quantum computer/simulator and to explore useful applications of quantum computing/simulation. As a PhD student within WACQT you will also be part of the WACQT PhD school, including joint courses and summer/winter schools together with PhD students from other universities in the center.

ABOUT THE APPLIED QUANTUM PHYSICS LABORATORY
At the Applied Quantum Physics Laboratory (AQP lab), we are more than 30 people working on theoretical aspects of future high-performance nano-electronic systems, including quantum computers. Our research covers a broad spectrum of problems, everything from the fundamental problems to the very applied ones.

We work in close collaboration with the experimental groups at the department. Around half of the lab is engaged in WACQT, exploring quantum information processing with superconducting circuits. However, AQP also very successfully explores mesoscopic superconductivity and transport in nanostructures, molecular electronics, and graphene electronics.

AQP belongs to the Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2), which houses a state-of-the-art Nanofabrication Laboratory cleanroom facility. The experimental labs at MC2 has the most modern equipment for experiments at low temperatures (millikelvins) and with microwaves.

Major responsibilities
You will explore advantages in using quantum algorithms for computational problems in gene sequencing and potentially also other fields of Medicine and Life Science. You will work closely with a parallel PhD student funded by Sahlgrenska University, with supervision from the Wallenberg Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine. The project leadership involves Dr. Per Sikora, Head of the Clinical Genomics Gothenburg and Professor Göran Johansson from WACQT. To ensure industrial relevance of the project, there will also be regular meetings with Dr. Daniel Muthas and Dr. Bastian Angermann from AstraZeneca.

Some teaching may be included for the sake of strengthening the PhD students' pedagogical qualifications.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications 
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Quantum Technology, Physics or equivalent. The successful candidate is fluent in English, oral and written and has interest and skills in working collaboratively as well as independently.

Desired qualifications are knowledge of biotechnology, bioinformatics and medicine as well as experience of working in cross-disciplinary projects.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200374 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Contact information of at least one reference person.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 15 October, 2020

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***