Pre-doctoral Researcher in Quantum computing joining density-functional theory (SIESTA) with Quantum solvers (QISKIT)

CIC nanoGUNE; España; On-site; EUR 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

CIC nanoGUNE in Spain is offering a theory research position within the Theory Group, focusing on computational and theoretical condensed matter physics. The project centers on embedding techniques and quantum computing approaches using SIESTA and QISKIT, in collaboration with IBM Quantum in Zürich.

The successful candidate will have a Master’s degree in a related field and strong programming and English language skills, with a 4-year project running from 2027 to 2030.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in condensed matter physics or theoretical chemistry.
• Strong programming experience.
• Proficiency in English; Spanish or Basque not required.
• Good grades in Bachelors and Masters degrees in physics, chemistry or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Develop embedding techniques for quantum calculations.
• Code in a framework uniting SIESTA with QISKIT for quantum solvers.
• Collaborate with IBM Quantum at IBM Research in Zürich.
• Contribute to method development for quantum computing in condensed matter physics.

Skills

Programming

Education

Masters degree in condensed matter physics or theoretical chemistry

Job description

Organisation/Company CIC nanoGUNE Department Theory Research Field Physics Chemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 15 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

NanoGUNE is a research center devoted to conducting world-class nanoscience research for a competitive growth of the Basque Country. NanoGUNEis recognized by the Spanish Research Agency as a María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence. It is located in the university campus in San Sebastián, close to ther excellent institutions such as the Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC) and the Materials Physics Center, constituting a vibrant international research community.

The position is offered in the Theory Group, led by Emilio Artacho ( [e-mail] ).

The candidate will join a research linein computational and theoretical condensed matter physics applied to various scientific problems in materials and nanoscience.More information can be found at https://www.nanogune.eu/theory .

The aim of the project is to contribute to the method development for the calculations invoking SIESTA and IBM's QISKIT for the use of quantum computing to solve on the correlated electrons described in an active space while embedded in a larger system described with density-functional theory. It involves setting up embedding techniques and coding them in a framework in which SIESTA is called for the non-correlated part and various quantum solvers coded in QISKIT are called for the highly-correlated electrons. IBM's quantum computers will be used in conjunction with conventional high-performance supercomputers to solve selected problems in condensed matter physics, nano and biophysics.

The project is in collaboration with the research laboratory IBM Quantum at IBM Research in Zürich.

The successful candidate will have a Masters degree (Bologna level or equivalent) in a topic related to condensed matter physics or theoretical chemistry after graduating in physics or chemistry.

Additionally, the candidate should demonstrate experience in the following skills:

• Good grades in Bachelors and Masters degrees in physics, chemistry or close-by subjects including courses on quantum, statistical and solid-state physics.
• Good working knowledge of English, understanding, reading, writing and speaking. Knowledge of Spanish or Basque is not required.
• Experience in programming.

We promote teamwork in a diverse and inclusive environment and welcome all kinds of applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

The position is expected to start in 01/01/2027 and for a total length of up to 48 months (01/01/2027 - 31/12/2030) in the Theory Group.

The deadline for applications is15/11/2026.