Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Computing for Fluid Dynamics

1000scholars; Zürich; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

IBM collaboration

Publish opportunities

ETH research environment

Mobility benefits

Job summary

ETH Zurich invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to explore quantum algorithms for turbulent fluid dynamics, focusing on Lattice Boltzmann methods and potential quantum hardware implementations.

The role is in collaboration with IBM, offering scientific independence, close work with ETH and IBM project teams, and potential extension from one to two years based on results.

Qualifications

• PhD in computational fluid dynamics, applied mathematics, physics, computer science, quantum computing, or a closely related field.
• Strong expertise in computational fluid dynamics, quantum physics, quantum algorithms, or quantum computing.
• Experience developing and analysing numerical or computational methods for scientific applications.
• Ability to work independently on challenging research questions and develop new approaches.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Strong written and spoken English communication; collaboration with researchers from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on quantum approaches to fluid dynamics and shape the project direction.
• Investigate Lattice Boltzmann algorithms for quantum implementation and linearisation methods.
• Study quantum algorithms such as sparse Hamiltonians, block encoding, and QLSAs.
• Develop novel linearisation, integration, and algorithmic approaches for LBM.
• Explore hybrid classical–quantum strategies for wall treatment and internal flows.
• Compare LBM with Navier–Stokes regarding quantum resources and stability.
• Assess potential quantum advantage at high Reynolds numbers and complex geometries.
• Publish findings in journals and present at international conferences.
• Present results to ETH and IBM teams and contribute to planning.

Skills

Quantum physics

Computational science

Quantum algorithms

Quantum computing

Numerical methods

Education

PhD in CFD / related field

Tools

Quantum computing frameworks

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Computing for 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.

Job description

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.

Profile

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 collaborating with researchers from different backgrounds.
• Experience with high-performance computing, scientific programming and/or quantum-computing frameworks is highly relevant to this position.

We welcome applications from candidates whose expertise does not cover every aspect of the project but who bring a strong foundation in one of its core areas and are motivated to work across disciplines.

We offer

You will join the computational kinetics group at D-MAVT, an interdisciplinary research environment at ETH Zurich working on computational fluid dynamics. The position offers the opportunity to work on a timely and challenging research problem with potential impact on the future of scientific computing.

In particular, you will benefit from:

• An intellectually ambitious research project at the intersection of quantum computing, computational fluid dynamics and high-performance computing.
• Direct collaboration with IBM researchers and exposure to an industrial research environment.
• The opportunity to shape the research direction and develop your own scientific ideas.
• Access to the research environment and infrastructure of ETH Zurich.
• Opportunities to publish and present your work internationally.
• A highly international and interdisciplinary research environment in Zurich.
• Professional development opportunities and support for your scientific career.
• ETH Zurich's commitment to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
• A range of benefits, including public-transport and other mobility offers, access to the ASVZ sports programme with more than 120 sports, childcare options and attractive pension benefits.

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.

Contact

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Ilya Karlin, ([e-mail]) (no applications).

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

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.