Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Algorithms and Optimization for Life Science Applications

1000scholars; Espoo; Hybrid; EUR 43,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Aalto University - School of Electrical Engineering in Espoo invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in Quantum Algorithms and Optimization for Life Science Applications. The role focuses on developing quantum-classical hybrid algorithms and advancing research within the MQS group.

You will publish world-class results, supervise PhD students, and contribute to teaching activities while exploring near-term and longer-term quantum approaches across bioinformatics and related

Qualifications

• Hold a PhD with excellent academic records in theoretical physics, mathematics, computer science, or another relevant field, awarded no more than two years before the application deadline.
• Solid background in quantum computing and quantum algorithms.
• Programming skills (e.g., Python) and experience with numerical simulations or quantum software frameworks (e.g., Qiskit and PennyLane).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent and collaborative research on advanced topics.
• Working proficiency in English. (Finnish language is not required.)

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in quantum algorithms and quantum information.
• Develop hybrid quantum-classical algorithms for domain-specific, computationally demanding problems.
• Publish world-class results in high-impact journals.
• Supervise PhD students and contribute to teaching activities.

Skills

Quantum computing

Quantum algorithms

Python programming

Numerical simulations

Independent research

English language

Education

PhD in theoretical physics / math / CS

Tools

Qiskit

PennyLane

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Algorithms and Optimization for Life Science Applications Aalto University - School of Electrical Engineering Espoo, Finland € 4200 per month

Your role and goals

Your primary task as a postdoctoral researcher is to conduct research in quantum algorithms and quantum information. You are expected to take an active role in advancing the MQS group’s research projects.

Our recent work has focused on the theory and applications of quantum walk algorithms, variational quantum algorithms and their optimization, adiabatic quantum computation, and quantum machine learning. Theoretical and applied research into the capabilities of quantum computing and quantum advantage is a key focus across four application domains: bioinformatics, plant breeding, biomaterial synthesis, and cellulose‑processing enzyme design. In each of these, the underlying challenges are hard computational problems, such as combinatorial optimization, sampling, and molecular simulation. The domain expertise is provided through collaboration with partners in life science and materials groups, so no prior experience in the life sciences is required.

You will develop hybrid quantum‑classical algorithms to tackle domain‑specific, computationally demanding problems. Methods will be designed for near‑term (NISQ‑era) deployment, with models evaluated for expressivity, training stability, scalability, and resource requirements on representative problem sizes, and systematically benchmarked against fully classical baselines. In parallel, medium‑ to long‑term quantum algorithms will be explored to assess quantum readiness and to establish innovative methodologies relevant to each application field. The exact research topics can be tailored to your interests within the scope of our current projects.

Your goal is to produce world‑class research results, in collaboration with other group members in the lively environment of the MQS group, and to publish them in high‑impact journals.

In addition to research, you will also be expected to take part in the supervision of PhD students and the teaching activities of the research group.

Your experience and ambitions

• Hold a PhD with an excellent academic records in theoretical physics, mathematics, computer science, or another relevant field, awarded no more than two years before the application deadline.
• Have a solid background in quantum computing and quantum algorithms, sufficient to conduct research on the topic.
• Have programming skills (e.g., Python) and experience with numerical simulations or quantum software frameworks (e.g., Qiskit and PennyLane).
• Have a demonstrated ability to conduct independent and collaborative research on advanced topics.
• Have a working proficiency in English. (Finnish language is not required.)