Research Associate in Quantum Error Correction (all genders)

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 51.000 - 65.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading company in quantum computing seeks a researcher to join their interdisciplinary team. This role involves developing quantum error correction protocols and requires expertise in quantum computing. The organization values creativity and offers extensive training, support for pursuing a PhD, and a flexible work environment.

Leistungen

Flexible working hours

Support for obtaining a PhD

Health facilities

Company pension plan

Discounted rail ticket

Company mobile phone for private use

Qualifikationen

• Degree in applicable field required.
• Experience in coding for quantum computers preferred.
• Knowledge of QEC beneficial.

Aufgaben

• Develop state-of-the-art QEC protocols.
• Evaluate QEC codes on real quantum hardware.
• Present research at international conferences.

Kenntnisse

Programming in Python

Quantum computing knowledge

Research skills

Communication skills

Creativity

Ausbildung

Master's or Diploma in Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science

Tools

Qiskit

Pennylane

Jobbeschreibung

The »Quantum Computing« team in the Digital Business research area at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO works on national and international research and consulting projects to harness the potential of quantum computers for business and society.

The Fraunhofer Lab for Quantum Computing Stuttgart Heilbronn, flaQship, unites the expertise of Fraunhofer IAO and IPA under a shared vision. Bringing together researchers from physics, mathematics, computer science, communication, economics, and political science, along with leading professors, we drive excellence in research, agile strategies, and cross-functional collaboration - shaping the future of quantum computing.

We holistically address business-relevant challenges using innovative quantum computing algorithms and demonstrate practical quantum advantages across various hardware platforms. Through internationally networked excellence in research spanning the entire value chain, we bridge the gap between theory and practice and serve as a central hub for industry, academia, and policy-making.

Together with international research partners, we develop information-theoretically grounded and application-driven algorithms in the fields of Quantum Machine Learning, Quantum Simulation, and Quantum Optimization. These solutions are made available to the German economy as digital services, while targeted knowledge transfer ensures accessibility for diverse audiences. With a technology- and outcome-agnostic approach, we comprehensively assess both the current state of available NISQ computers and the future potential of quantum applications in the fault-tolerant regime.

What you will do

You will be joining an international and multi-disciplinary team of scientists working to pave the way from current noisy and intermediate scale quantum computers to large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computing. You will work on quantum error correction (QEC) protocols, which are one central and indispensable component in this endeavor. Your tasks include:

• Research, develop and design state-of-the-art and novel QEC schemes, including fault-tolerant protocols, decoding algorithms and software tools
• Evaluate QEC codes both in simulation and on real quantum hardware. Drive experimental implementation of your QEC protocols
• Work closely with our algorithm team as well as with external hardware researchers and vendors to realize fault-tolerant implementations of quantum algorithms
• Present and publish your research in international conferences and journals
• Write clear, understandable and performant code that can be integrated into a quantum software stack
• Teach QEC in diverse settings as e.g. multi-day industry trainings, programming courses, or university lectures

The opportunity to pursue a PhD is explicitly supported.

What you bring to the table

• A university degree (Master's or Diploma) in physics, mathematics, computer science, or a comparable area. First experiences in research are very welcome
• Advanced understanding of quantum computing and quantum information. Knowledge of the functioning of quantum hardware (in particular of neutral atom quantum computers) is highly desirable
• Proven experience in Python and in programming quantum computers e.g. with Qiskit or Pennylane. Familiarity with professional software development and/or HPC is a plus
• Prior knowledge in QEC (e.g. stabilizer formalism, surface/color/LDPC codes, decoding, fault-tolerant design) and associated software (e.g. Stim, Qualtran) is very beneficial
• High degree of creativity and proactiveness with the ability to work self-initiated and independently in an interdisciplinary team
• Very good (written and verbal) communication and presentation skills
• Fluency in English. German is a plus but not required

You can find additional information on our work under flaqship.eu.

What you can expect

• Work on one of the most exciting topics of the future in an interdisciplinary, highly motivated team
• A comprehensive, individual training and qualification program with support in obtaining a PhD
• A fair and transparent compensation system with individual, performance-related compensation components and profit sharing
• Flexible working hours with opportunities for mobile working and support services to help you balance family and career (including emergency childcare and home care for elderly relatives via our pme family service, mobile office for children)
• A pleasant and modern workplace on the easily accessible Bildungscampus in the center of Heilbronn
• Additional benefits (including health facilities, company pension plan, discounted Germany-wide rail ticket, and company cell phone - also for private use)

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, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

The position is initially limited to two years. Long-term employment is desired.
The weekly working hours are 39 hours. The position can also be filled on a part-time basis.

Remuneration is based on TVöD EG 13 (depending on qualifications). Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

Questions about this position will be answered by

Dr. rer. nat. Andreas Sturm
Senior Scientist Quantum Computing
Phone [phone]

Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO

www.iao.fraunhofer.de

flaQship - Fraunhofer-Lab für anwendungsorientiertes Quantencomputing Stuttgart-Heilbronn

Requisition Number: 80160 Application Deadline: 08/31/2025