Master Thesis: Quantum Algorithms for Real-World Problems

Fraunhofer IAF; Freiburg im Breisgau; On-site; EUR 18,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Publication prospects

Mentorship by scientists

Team-focused culture

Job summary

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF in Freiburg im Breisgau invites applications for two master theses on using quantum algorithms to solve real-world industrial problems. The goal is to understand scaling behavior and compare with classical solutions on modern quantum computers.

You will reformulate problems for quantum methods, implement algorithms on our HPC system, and investigate efficiency, scaling, and convergence.

Qualifications

• Enrolled Master student in physics or a comparable programme.
• Solid knowledge of quantum mechanics.
• Experience in quantum algorithms is a plus; knowledge of numerical methods and programming skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Reformulate the real-world problem in a way suitable for quantum algorithms.
• Software implementation of algorithms and numerical investigations using our high-performance computing system.
• Find ways to increase the efficiency of these quantum algorithms.
• Analyze the scaling and convergence properties of these quantum algorithms.

Skills

Quantum mechanics

Quantum algorithms

Numerical methods

Programming skills

Education

Enrolled Master student in physics or comparable programme

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

At the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF we know our technologies like the back of our hand. Because we are one of the few scientific institutions worldwide to conduct research along the entire semiconductor value chain and on tailor-made synthetic diamonds. Whether high-frequency circuits for communications technology, voltage converter modules for electromobility, laser systems for measurement processes, or innovative hardware and software for quantum computers and quantum sensors: we develop tomorrow’s technology in-house for a sustainable and secure society. When will you join us?

The Master Thesis includes:

Our theory group invites applications for two master theses on using quantum algorithms to solve industrial problems. The specific problem considered is to solve real-world industrial problems of concrete companies with the help of quantum algorithms. The goal is to understand the scaling behavior of these solutions in comparison with state-of-the-art classical solutions and to investigate the performance of these solutions on modern quantum computers of different architectures. The two master theses differ in the specific type of quantum computing approaches: (i) gate-based quantum computing and (ii) analogue quantum computing.

This master's project is planned for approcimately one year. The master's project is expected to start in 2026.

Your work will focus on

• reformulating the real-world problem in a way suitable for quantum algorithms
• software implementation of algorithms and numerical investigations using our high-performance computing system
• finding ways to increase the efficience of these quantum algorithms.
• analyzing the scaling and convergence properties of these quantum algorithms

What you bring along

• enrolled Master student in physics or a comparable programme
• solid knowledge of quantum mechanics
• experience in quantum algorithms is a plus
• knowledge of numerical methods and programming skills are a plus

What we offer

• personal support on an equal footing and assistance from experienced scientists and professionals throughout your thesis
• broad education in quantum science and technology
• attractive topics with the prospect of publication
• space for independent work and creative participation
• interactions with fellow Master and PhD students
• flexible working hours that fit your studies
• an open and team-oriented corporate culture that allows you to contribute your own ideas
• diverse and exciting tasks in the environment of an internationally renowned research institution
• free parking garage with e-charging stations, as well as a Frelo station (bike rental system) and a bus stop directly at the institute

The position is initially limited to 1 year. The monthly working time is 40 hours. Die Vergütung richtet sich nach der Gesamtbetriebsvereinbarung zur Beschäftigung der Hilfskräfte.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, as well as sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled individuals will be given preference if equally qualified.

Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we will jointly find solutions that optimally promote your abilities. The same applies if you do not meet all profile requirements due to a disability.

You can find more accessible information here: Working with disabilities at Fraunhofer IAF - Fraunhofer IAF

You can learn more about the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics here: www.iaf.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF

Human Resources

Tullastrasse 72

79108 Freiburg

Kennziffer: 86018