Post-Doc in theoretical physics (M/F) on the energetics of quantum technology

CNRS; France; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The CNRS LPMMC in Grenoble invites applications for a one-year postdoctoral position starting early 2027 to study energy limits in quantum computations and how they scale with problem size and control. The project involves close collaboration with Quandela and occasional travel to Paris.

Required: a PhD in theoretical quantum physics and proven research in quantum thermodynamics or quantum computing; experience with bosonic codes is an asset.

Qualifications

• PhD in theoretical quantum physics.
• Proven research in quantum thermodynamics or quantum computing.
• Experience with bosonic codes is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Establish energy estimates for quantum processing and their scaling with problem size and classical control.
• Collaborate with Quandela and LPMMC teams; propose experiments and model data.
• Publish papers and present findings at reviews and conferences.

Education

PhD in theoretical quantum physics

Job description

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Laboratoire de physique & modélisation des milieux condensés Research Field Physics Psychology » Solid state physics Physics » Surface physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 9 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Feb 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

The researcher will establish energy estimates for the quantum processes involved in computations and explore how these limits evolve with problem size and classical control. The OECQ project offers unique opportunities to investigate, using industrial problems, how energy costs established at the quantum scale are amplified at the macroscopic scale, and their impact on the roadmaps of companies manufacturing quantum processors.

• Establish fundamental energy estimates and limits for the quantum processes involved in computations, and explore how these limits evolve with problem size and the classical control of processors manufactured by the start-up Quandela.
• Work closely with the start-up's team to propose experiments and model data.
• Write papers and attend project reviews and relevant conferences
• Help other members of the OECQ project, and other members of the LPMMC team, to understand the key aspects of the project with Quandela.

ROLE: The successful candidate for this postdoctoral position will be based in Robert Whitney's team at the LPMMC, a unit of the University of Grenoble Alpes and the CNRS. The project will involve close collaboration with a team from the start-up Quandela, which will require regular travel to their offices in Paris. This project forms part of the Franco-Singaporean CNRS “Quantum Energy Team” (quantum-energy-team.cnrs.fr) led by Alexia Auffèves (MajuLab, Singapore) and Robert Whitney (LPMMC, Grenoble), and the project is likely to include visits between France and Singapore.

BACKGROUND: This postdoctoral position will be based in Grenoble, will commence between January and March 2027, and will last for one year. Further information about the team: Alexia Auffèves (majulab.cnrs.fr/alexia-auffeves-personal-page/) and Robert Whitney (r.whitney.free.fr) The LPMMC (lpmmc.cnrs.fr) is a theoretical physics research laboratory comprising around thirty researchers and postdocs, working on a variety of topics in theoretical physics. It is a joint structure between two world-class research institutions, the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the University of Grenoble Alpes. It is a core member of QuantAlps, the Grenoble interdisciplinary centre for quantum sciences and technologies, which brings together 200 researchers working on quantum sciences and technologies. MajuLab (majulab.cnrs.fr) is an international CNRS laboratory hosted by the CQT and NTU, Singapore. It comprises around thirty researchers from France and Singapore who collaborate in the field of quantum sciences and technologies, within the framework of the Singaporean Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT), which is globally recognised in this field.

• A PhD in theoretical quantum physics,
• The role requires proven research experience in quantum thermodynamics or quantum computing, with a focus on theoretical studies that can be linked to experimental studies. Experience in the field of bosonic codes would be a major asset, as would experience in a project bridging the gap between academia and the start-up sector.
• Ability to work within multidisciplinary teams and at various levels of detail.
• Proven experience in publishing research papers and giving presentations in relevant fields.
• Creativity, independence and the ability to think outside the box.