PhD on Quantum Computing × AI for Optimization

Emerging Scholars Council; Zürich; Vor Ort; CHF 52.000 - 70.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Research freedom

Collaboration with ETH/IBM researchers

Mentor students

Supportive research atmosphere

Flexible schedule

State-of-the-art computational tools

Zusammenfassung

ETH Zurich invites applications for a PhD position at the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence, hosted jointly with IBM Research Europe – Zurich. The role spans ETH Zurich and IBM Research Zurich, pairing academic and industrial research to advance optimization with quantum and AI approaches.

Candidates hold a Masters in physics, mathematics, computer science, quantum computing or related fields, show strong coding and leadership, and excel at independent and

Qualifikationen

• Masters degree in physics, mathematics, applied mathematics, computer science, quantum computing, or machine learning.
• Strong interest in developing theoretical or computational methods for optimization, quantum computing, and machine learning.
• Strong leadership and coding skills; ability to collaborate with diverse teams.

Aufgaben

• Collaborate across ETH Zurich and IBM Research Zurich to advance quantum AI optimization.
• Develop and evaluate AI-driven quantum optimization approaches and algorithms.
• Mentor students and contribute to a supportive research environment.

Kenntnisse

Coding skills

Leadership

Team collaboration

Independent working

Ausbildung

Master's degree in physics

Master's degree in mathematics

Master's degree in computer science

Master's degree in quantum computing

Master's degree in machine learning

Jobbeschreibung

We invite applications for a PhD position at the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence, focused on the challenge of advancing optimization through both technologies. The position is jointly in collaboration with Stefan Woerner (Principal Research Scientist & Manager, Applied Quantum Science, IBM Research Europe – Zurich) and by Juan Carrasquilla (Institute for Theoretical Physics, Department of Physics, ETH Zurich).

Job Description

You will have the opportunity to work across both ETH Zurich and IBM Research Zurich, benefiting from the synergy between academic and industrial research. The topic of the PhD position sits at the crossroads of quantum computing, machine learning, and combinatorial optimization — an area where some of the most exciting and open questions in the field live. Research directions include:

• Using AI to learn parameters and design circuits for quantum optimization algorithms (e.g., beyond QUBO formulations for QAOA)
• Developing AI-driven methods to discover quantum optimization algorithms
• Generating quantum samples to warm-start classical AI solvers, or to produce quantum-enhanced features and embeddings

The core questions driving this research are fundamental and timely: How can we ensure AI-discovered quantum algorithms are not classical in disguise? How can we generate large-scale, high-quality quantum training data? And how can we combine quantum computing and AI to achieve a measurable, real-world advantage?

Profile

• A Masters degree in physics, mathematics, applied mathematics, computer science, quantum computing, machine learning
• Strong interest in the development of theoretical or computational methods for optimization methods, quantum computing, and machine learning
• Strong leadership skills
• Strong coding skills
• Ability to collaborate and establish positive interactions with a widely diverse group of people from different backgrounds, countries, ethnicities, genders, etc.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration

We offer

• Freedom to develop your research ideas and skills
• Opportunity to collaborate with ETH faculty and IBM researchers, as well as internationally
• Mentor students
• Experience a supportive research atmosphere
• Define, jointly with the rest of the team, a work schedule that best fits your preferences and constraints
• Access to state-of-the-art computational facilities

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Juan Carrasquilla, [email protected] and Stefan Woerner, [email protected] (no applications).

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting‑edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Further information about ETH and IBM can be found onthe following websites: ETH and IBM.