Summer internship on development of simulation software

Development of simulation software for superconducting quantum computers
This is a summer project in the stimulating research environment of the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT), a 12-year, billion-SEK initiative started in 2018 with the purpose of advancing Swedish academia and industry to the forefront of quantum technology, and to build a Swedish quantum computer. To support the construction of the quantum computer, we have developed a software package (Chalmers Superconducting Qubit Repository, CSQR) for simulating the superconducting qubits that are its core components.

Developed at Chalmers University of Technology, CSQR supports the design and analysis in the main WACQT project of developing a 100-qubit superconducting quantum computer. The focus of CSQR is to simulate the dynamical evolution of quantum operations such as quantum gates and readout. The near-term goal is to make CSQR public through open sourcing. To achieve this, it is important to make CSQR faster to learn for new users. Thus, there is a need to create a more versatile and efficient Application Programming Interface, API. This is a suitable summer-internship project and a great opportunity for a student that wants to learn the basic theory of superconducting qubits, numerical tools to simulate these systems, and efficient software interfaces for research applications.

Information about the division/the project
The main deliverable of the project is to implement an object-oriented API for CSQR. To accomplish this, the project is organized into the following four main activities: (1) learn the basics of object-oriented APIs in Python and study APIs for other simulation software in Quantum Technology, e.g., scQubits, (2) study the theory of superconducting qubits to understand the mathematical requirements on the API, (3) develop the API with test-based software development, and (4) thoroughly document the API. The project is planned for ten weeks such that activities (1) and (2) span week 1-3, and activity (3) and (4) starts in week 4 and ends with week 8. The idea behind this time plan is to leave the last two weeks open for the intern’s own suggestions based on his or her interests. This would allow the intern to expand his or her knowledge of the numerical simulation tools or other techniques in modern software development.

At the Applied Quantum Physics Laboratory (AQPL), we work on theoretical aspects of future high-performance nano-electronic systems. Our research covers a broad spectrum, from fundamental problems to very applied ones. We work in close collaboration with experimental groups such as the Quantum Technology Laboratory (QTL), especially within WACQT.

The WACQT team at Chalmers currently has about 80 members (faculty, permanent research staff, postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and undergraduate students) and is expanding. WACQT is committed to promoting career development, diversity, and gender equality through networking and supporting activities.

Our department (MC2) is host to the state-of-the-art MC2 Nanotechnology Laboratory cleanroom, the largest such facility in Northern Europe, and our measurement lab at QTL is well equipped with cryogenic and microwave electronic equipment. We are in a position to build and operate large-scale quantum processors!

The position is funded by the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation through the EDU-WACQT programme.

Contract terms
Temporary employment, full-time for a period of 10 weeks.
The 3rd of June is the tentative starting date, but earlier or later starting dates at the job interview can be negotiated.

Qualifications
Required qualifications:
- BSc in Physics or neighbouring fields
- Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English
- Ability to program in high-level languages such as Python or C

Desired qualifications:
- Experience of test-based software development
- Experience with object-oriented APIs
- Training on quantum physics
- Experience from working on quantum computing

We value a collaborative attitude and an ability in working both in teams and independently. Self-motivation, attention to detail, and a problem-solving analytical ability are important personal qualities for this position.

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 Name, 20240120 and be attached as PDF files, as below:

CV

Personal letter

Other documents (optional):
• Copies of completed education, grades etc. Two references that we can contact should be provided at a possible interview.

Please use the button at the bottom of the page to reach the application form. We do not accept applications sent by email.

Application deadline: 2024-03-25

For questions, please contact:
Dr. Jorge Fernández-Pendás,
jorgefe@chalmers.se


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



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!