Doctoral Researcher in Quantum Computing and Algorithms for Life Science Applications

Aalto University; Espoo; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity to conduct research within an international community

Access to real quantum hardware

Multidisciplinary research and teaching collaboration

Job summary

Aalto University is looking for a Doctoral researcher to focus on quantum computing and algorithms for Life Science applications. You will conduct research in quantum algorithms within the Micro and Quantum Systems research group and contribute to various innovative methodologies.

The ideal candidate must hold a Master's degree related to theoretical physics and show a keen interest in quantum computing. The role offers a hybrid work model based in Otaniemi, Espoo, with an initial fixed-term contract of two years and a starting salary of approximately €3100 per month.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in theoretical physics, mathematics, or computer science.
• Excellent academic record.
• Keen interest in quantum computing.
• Working proficiency in English.
• Familiarity with quantum algorithms in life sciences is an advantage.
• Teaching experience is a valuable asset.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in quantum algorithms and quantum information.
• Advance MQS group’s research projects in quantum walk algorithms.
• Develop hybrid quantum‑classical algorithms for domain‑specific challenges.
• Publish results in high‑impact journals and collaborate with group members.
• Take doctoral coursework and participate in group teaching activities.
• Publish results in high‑impact journals and collaborate with group members.
• Take doctoral coursework and participate in group teaching activities.

Skills

Quantum computing

Quantum algorithms knowledge

Theoretical physics

Mathematics

Computer science

English proficiency

Education

Master’s degree in theoretical physics or related field

Job description

Position Overview

Doctoral researcher in quantum computing and algorithms for Life Science applications in the Micro and Quantum Systems (MQS) research group, Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering at Aalto University.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in quantum algorithms and quantum information, leading to the completion of a PhD.
• Advance the MQS group’s research projects in quantum walk algorithms, variational quantum algorithms, adiabatic quantum computation, and quantum machine learning.
• Develop hybrid quantum‑classical algorithms for domain‑specific computational problems in bioinformatics, breeding, biomaterial synthesis, and cellulose‑processing enzyme design.
• Design methods for near‑term (NISQ‑era) deployment, evaluate expressivity, training stability, scalability and resource requirements, and benchmark against fully classical baselines.
• Explore medium‑to‑long‑term quantum algorithms to assess quantum readiness and establish innovative methodologies for each application field.
• Publish results in high‑impact journals and collaborate with group members.
• Take doctoral coursework and participate in group teaching activities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in theoretical physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field.
• Excellent academic record.
• Keen interest in quantum computing.
• Working proficiency in English (Finnish not required).
• Familiarity with quantum algorithms, quantum information and their applications to life sciences is a clear advantage.
• Teaching experience is a valuable asset.

Benefits

• Opportunity to conduct research within a vibrant international community.
• Access to real quantum hardware (VTT’s Q50, Aalto’s Q20 and other commercial platforms).
• Multidisciplinary research and teaching collaboration.
• Fixed‑term contract for two years initially.
• Starting salary approximately €3100 per month.
• Hybrid work model; primary workplace is Otaniemi, Espoo.