Postdoc in Chemical Bonding Analysis on Quantum Computers

Information about the project
Do you have a passion for exploring new ways of analyzing electronic structure? In this project you will have the opportunity to develop state-of-the-art chemical bonding analyses (broadly defined) and adapt them for use on current and future quantum computers. We welcome applications from highly motivated and qualified quantum chemists interested in pursuing a career in quantum computation, as well as theoretical physicists with an interest to study the electronic structure of molecules. Start date is flexible and applicants will be evaluated continuously.

About the research group
The hosting research group led by Prof. Martin Rahm has a long-standing interest in chemical bonding analysis and is located at Chalmers’ Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering in Gothenburg, Sweden. Activities within the research group include chemical theory development, material prediction (with a focus on high pressure science), computational prebiotic chemistry and astrobiology as well as quantum computation. This project involves close collaboration with experts in quantum technology within the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT) at the Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience at Chalmers.

About the Wallenberg Center for Quantum Technology - WACQT
WACQT is a 12-year initiative (2018-2029) aimed to bring Swedish academia and industry to the forefront of Quantum Technology. The center is funded mainly by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundations with additional contributions from participating universities and industry. At Chalmers, the focus is to build a superconducting quantum computer and simulator and to explore useful applications of quantum computing. The Quantum Technology and Applied Quantum Physics laboratories work on experimental and theoretical aspects of quantum information processing with superconducting electronics. We currently have a transmon-based 20 qubit quantum processor available for software experimentation. As a researcher in this project, you will be closely interacting with postdocs and PhD students in WACQT.

Major responsibilities
You will be the lead developer of electronic structure analysis methods (several flexible options are available depending on your expertise and interest) adapted to quantum computation. You will also collaborate with experimentalists at WACQT and benchmark quantum chemistry use cases on quantum processors.

Position summary
Full-time employment for two years.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position you must have a PhD in computational/theoretical chemistry, computational physics, or equivalent. Your PhD degree should generally not be older than three years. Fluency in English, oral and written and a strong publication track record is mandatory, as is a creative spirit and a drive to succeed. Good programming skills are necessary, ideally in python. Expertise in quantum information science and quantum computation (e.g., using the IBM Qiskit code) and method development in quantum chemistry is advantageous. You need to enjoy working independently as well as collaboratively. Language skills in Swedish is not a requirement for this position, but if you have an interest in learning Swedish Chalmers offers courses.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20220554 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number) 1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself.
• Describe your professional interest and future goals.
• Explain why you applied to this position. If you have no prior experience of quantum computation, motivate why you should nonetheless be considered for this position.  

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education including grades.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: December 31st, 2022

For questions, please contact:
Martin Rahm, Associate professor, mail: martin.rahm@chalmers.se

Information about the department:
WACQT is committed to promoting career development, diversity and gender equality through networking and supporting activities.

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is the largest department at Chalmers and covers a large array of research from basic to applied. The fields of interest extend from DNA-research and biomaterials, solar cells and fuels, high temperature corrosion, and catalysis. The Department is heavily committed to teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, as well as postgraduate level in these areas. We have approximately 300 employees, divided into four research and one administrative division. We are situated at campus Johanneberg in the middle of Gothenburg. Our vision is “Through curiosity and knowledge towards a sustainable world”.


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