Postdoctoral researcher in quantum algorithms and optimization for Life Science applications

Aalto University; Espoo; Hybrid; EUR 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Access to real quantum hardware

International community

Professional development

Job summary

Aalto University in Espoo invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in the MQS group to explore quantum algorithms and quantum information at the intersection of physics, computation and materials science. You will develop hybrid quantum‑classical methods, publish in high‑impact journals, supervise PhD students, and contribute to teaching within a vibrant international community.

The role includes access to real quantum hardware and a fixed-term contract with potential

Qualifications

• Hold a PhD with excellent academic records in theoretical physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field.
• Have programming skills (e.g., Python) and experience with numerical simulations or quantum software frameworks (e.g., Qiskit and PennyLane).
• Have working proficiency in English.
• Familiarity with application areas such as bioinformatics, computational biology or materials science is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in quantum algorithms and quantum information; develop hybrid quantum-classical methods.
• Take an active role in advancing MQS group projects and publish in high‑impact journals.
• Supervise PhD students and participate in teaching activities of the research group.
• Collaborate with life science and materials groups; explore near‑term (NISQ) deployments and longer‑term quantum algorithms.

Skills

Python

Quantum computing

Research independence

Education

PhD in theoretical physics / mathematics / computer science

Tools

Qiskit

PennyLane

Job description

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 120 nationalities, 14 000 students, 400 professors and close to 5000 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community. The School of Electrical Engineering is one of the six schools of Aalto University. Our portfolio covers fields from natural sciences to engineering and information sciences. In parallel with basic research, we develop ideas and technologies further into innovations and services. We are experts in systems science; we develop integrated solutions from care of the elderly to space robotics.

Your role and goals

In this position, you will work at the intersection of quantum computing, computational biology, genomics, and materials science. You will have the opportunity to delve deeply into quantum computing and contribute to high-quality research with real-world impact. 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 network and team

Currently, our research group consists of 1 professor, 1 lecturer, 1 staff scientist, 1 research fellow, 2 postdocs and 7 PhD students, and several undergraduate research collaborators. The group is led by Professor Ilkka Tittonen.

Applicants are expected to

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.) The research topics can be adjusted according to the background of the applicant. Familiarity with one or more of the application areas described above (e.g., bioinformatics, computational biology or materials science) is a clear advantage, but not a requirement. We also welcome applicants from computational biology, bioinformatics or related fields who have a solid background in quantum computing. Teaching or supervision experience is also a valuable asset.

What we offer

The position is a fixed-term, two-year contract, with the possibility of a one‑year extension, subject to funding and progress. The salary for postdoctoral researcher is approximately 4200€/Month. We offer the opportunity to conduct research within a vibrant international community. Finland hosts many active quantum computing groups connected through the national consortium InstituteQ, which coordinates a wide range of quantum‑related activities. We have access to real quantum hardware, including VTT’s Q50 machine and Aalto’s new Q20 system, located in the same building as our offices. In addition, we have access to other commercially available quantum platforms. Aalto University also offers ample opportunities for multidisciplinary research and teaching collaboration. We offer you interesting work in an inspiring work environment. You will work in a community of students, researchers and other professionals, where we promote socially significant goals in the fields of science and education. We will familiarize you with your tasks and you will become part of a friendly and competent team that will continue to support you as your work progresses. Our wide array of professional development opportunities at Aalto University means you will grow and learn, having the chance to participate actively in staff trainings and development projects based on your interests and needs. We work in a hybrid way, and the primary workplace is Otaniemi, Espoo. The Otaniemi campus is a thriving and connected community of 100 nationalities, 13,000 students and 4,500 employees. Life at the transformed campus is vibrant and filled with amazing architecture, calming nature, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, services and good connections along the recently opened metro line. Join us!

For more information regarding the open position, please contact Professor Ilkka Tittonen ([e-mail]), University Lecturer Matti Raasakka ([e-mail]) and Postdoctoral researcher Andrea Marchesin ([e-mail]). For any question regarding the recruitment process, please contact HR Advisor ([e-mail]).

Want to know more about us and your future colleagues? You can watch these videos: Aalto University – Towards a better world, Aalto People , and Shaping a Sustainable Future.

Read more about working at Aalto: https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto Check out our new virtual campus experience: https://virtualtour.aalto.fi/

About Finland Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable and well‑organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was just listed again as the happiest country in the world. For more information about living in Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto/for-international-staff .

More about Aalto University: Aalto.fi youtube.com/user/aaltouniversity linkedin.com/school/aalto-university/ www.facebook.com/aaltouniversity instagram.com/aaltouniversity

To view information about Workday Accessibility, please click here.