Post-doctoral fellow in quantum foundations and algebraic methods - 18 months contract

Télécom Paris; France; On-site; EUR 31,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

49 days annual leave (CA + RTT)

Flexible working hours

Telecommuting 1–3 days/week

Public transport pass reimbursement

Proximity to sports facilities and in‑

Underground parking

Job summary

Télécom Paris invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher specializing in quantum foundations and algebraic methods to join the INFRES department in Palaiseau.

The role is hosted by Quriosity, a joint Inria and Télécom Paris team, supporting the PIQ project on causal decompositions of quantum processes, for 18 months. Responsibilities include research, supervision, and disseminating results.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in physics, mathematics, computer science or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of quantum foundations, especially quantum causality, or advanced algebraic methods.
• Ability to conduct theoretical research independently and to write rigorous scientific papers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on causal decompositions of quantum processes within phase 1 of the PIQ project.
• Supervise and mentor student projects and internships.
• Contribute to the scientific visibility of Télécom Paris and related institutions.

Skills

Quantum foundations

Algebraic methods

Mathematical reasoning

Proof writing

Scientific English

Independent researcher

Team collaboration

Education

PhD or equivalent

Tools

Symbolic computation

Numerical computation

Job description

Organisation/Company Télécom Paris Research Field Computer science » Informatics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 1 Jan 2027 - 00:00 (Africa/Abidjan) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? Yes

Offer Description

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher specialising in quantum foundations and algebraic methods to join the INFRES department at Télécom Paris.

The position is hosted by Quriosity, a joint Inria and Télécom Paris team within the LTCI laboratory and the Computer Science and Networks department (INFRES). Based in Palaiseau on the Saclay plateau, the team benefits from an active research environment in quantum information and quantum foundations.

The position is part of the PIQ project “New algebraic tools for causal decompositions of quantum processes”, led by Augustin Vanrietvelde. This recruitment covers phase 1 of the project, for 18 months.

The project investigates the causal decomposition conjecture: every unitary channel should admit a decomposition whose connections faithfully reflect its causal structure. The aim is to develop algebraic and syntactic tools to investigate open cases, construct decompositions or identify obstructions. The research is exploratory; partial results and limitations of the methods will be documented.

Your main responsibilities will include :

Conduct research on causal decompositions of quantum processes within phase 1 of the PIQ project.

Supervise and mentor student projects and internships.

Contribute to the scientific visibility of Télécom Paris, the Institut Mines-Télécom and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris.

Job requirements

You must hold a PhD or equivalent in physics, mathematics, computer science or a discipline relevant to the project, obtained no later than the date you take up the post.

You must possess a solid understanding of quantum foundations, particularly quantum causality, or advanced algebraic methods, as well as strong mathematical reasoning, proof-writing and critical analysis skills. You must be able to conduct theoretical research independently, be capable of writing rigorous scientific papers and have a command of scientific English, both written and spoken.

Knowledge of operator algebras, quantum information and diagrammatic formalisms is desirable. Experience in symbolic or numerical computation applied to theoretical problems, as well as in supervising students, would be an advantage. Finally, you must demonstrate good team spirit, the ability to engage in dialogue and synthesise ideas, as well as strong writing and teaching skills.

Why join us?
You'll be working in a fast-growing, pleasant, green and accessible environment (especially for people with disabilities) just 20 km from Paris (RER B and C suburban train lines, close to major roads). You will benefit from :

• 49 days annual leave (CA + RTT)
• flexible working hours (depending on department activity)
• telecommuting 1 to 3 days/week possible
• 75% public transport pass reimbursement
• Proximity to numerous sports facilities, concierge service, underground parking, in-house catering, etc.
• Good to know: our social security contributions are lower than in the private sector

Other information :
Application deadline: january 1, 2027
Job type : 18 months fixed-term contract
Job description here

Salary : 36 000 € brut/year

Our recruitment is based on skills, without distinction of origin, age, gender identity, or sexual orientation, and all our positions are open to individuals with disabilities.