Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Modelling of Quantum Computing Control Systems

University-of-Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oxford invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Modelling of Quantum Computing Control Systems within the Department of Engineering Science (Central Oxford). The role focuses on building machine learning models and digital twins to study scaling effects on quantum operations, collaborating with academic teams, industry partners, and national laboratories.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD/DPhil, develop new research projects, and pursue grant funding

Qualifications

• PhD/DPhil required in a relevant field.
• Experience in quantum computing or quantum control systems is desirable.
• Strong communication and publication-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop ML models and digital twins of quantum devices.
• Model the physical and control architecture to identify bottlenecks and optimizations.
• Collaborate with academic teams, industrial partners and national laboratories.
• Contribute to grant applications and fundraising for research.
• Present proposals and results, and represent the group at meetings.

Skills

Machine learning

Digital twins

Modeling complex systems

Grant writing

Education

PhD/DPhil

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Modelling of Quantum Computing Control Systems

central Oxford

We are seeking a motivated and Talented experimentalist for a full-time Research Assistant in Quantum Computing Control Systems within Professor Ares’ research group at the Department of Engineering Science (Central Oxford). The post is externally funded 8 months fixed-term.

The development of large-scale quantum computers will require a deep understanding of the classical infrastructure that supports them, including analog control systems. As quantum devices scale toward the million-qubit regime, modeling these complex systems becomes essential. This project will focus on building machine learning models and comprehensive digital twins of quantum devices to investigate how scaling impacts the control and stability of quantum operations. The researcher will create models of the physical and control architecture, enabling the identification of design bottlenecks and optimization strategies. The digital twins and simulators will serve as a testbed for evaluating engineering trade-offs and guiding future hardware development. The appointed researcher will collaborate with academic teams, industrial partners, and national laboratories, contributing to the broader QCI3 initiative aimed at advancing scalable and interconnected quantum computing technologies.

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, you will help ensure a healthy and vibrant research environment within Natalia Ares’ research group. You should possess a PhD/DPhil and the ability to develop new research projects and raise research funds through making grant applications. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings is essential.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Natalia Ares (email: [e-mail])

For more information about working at the Department, see

www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/