PhD position in Quantum AI for Digital Transformation

UCD School of Computer Science; Dublin; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University College Dublin (UCD) School of Computer Science invites applications for a PhD position focused on applying Quantum AI methods to societal use cases. The project collaborates with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) to develop and evaluate quantum machine learning and optimisation techniques.

The PhD will be based in UCD and spend time at the JRC site in Ispra, with a primary aim to create an open-source evaluation framework and baselines for quantum AI in societal

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Computer Science, Physics or cognate field.
• Experience in machine learning, AI, and/or quantum technology.
• Significant programming competence (Python, C or C++).
• Experience with quantum technologies and development environments (Qiskit, PennyLane) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to evaluating and applying Quantum AI methods across societal use cases.
• Develop novel techniques in quantum machine learning and/or quantum optimisation.
• Produce an open-source framework for evaluating Quantum AI methods in different use cases.

Skills

Machine learning

AI techniques

Python programming

Game theory

English communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in CS or Physics

Tools

Python

C

C++

Qiskit

PennyLane

Job description

As part of a collaborative doctoral partnership between University College Dublin (UCD) and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), this PhD position aims to systematically evaluate and explore the application of Quantum AI methods for different societal use cases. Exploring use cases such as Game-theoretical micro-economic analyses, the overarching general objective of the research is to contextualise and measure the potential transformative societal and economic impacts of Quantum AI. Specifically, the research will involve exploring the theoretical foundations and practical implications of Quantum AI techniques, developing novel techniques in quantum machine learning and/or quantum optimisation and systematically evaluating them across different use cases.

The PhD research is intended to increase the analytical and technical knowledge in Quantum AI methods and capabilities for their application in and development for complex societal use cases. A primary outcome will be quantum-driven analytical pipelines concerned with digital transformation and studies of societal phenomena with potential benefits for policy development within the European Union.

It is anticipated that outcomes of the PhD research include, but not be limited to:

• An open source framework for the systematic evaluation of different Quantum AI methods within the scope of the use cases.
• A review of current applications and analytical approaches within the use cases to develop a strong set of baselines for evaluating developed quantum AI methods.
• An understanding of the potential impact(s) and/or advantages of quantum AI methods within the domain(s) of the use cases.
• Guidelines based on lessons learned from the framework, case studies and impact review leading to a critical reflection and establishment of best practice(s) for applied quantum AI methods in societal use cases.

The successful candidate will be based in the School of Computer Science and Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science, and Technology at University College Dublin (UCD), and the Digital Economy and Society Unit at European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC). The PhD candidate will be enrolled in the four-year PhD Program of the School of Computer Science, UCD and will spend designated periods at the UCD campus in Dublin and the JRC site in Ispra.

Queries

Any questions about the application process and PhD position can be directed to Dr. Simon Caton ([e-mail]).

Candidate Profile

The candidate should hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree (2.1 grade or equivalent) in Computer Science, Physics, or a cognate discipline.

The candidate should demonstrate experience in machine learning, AI, and/or quantum technology. Significant programming competence (in Python, C or C++) is expected. Experience in quantum technologies and development environments (e.g. Qiskit, PennyLane etc.) is highly desirable. Tutoring and familiarisation with the use cases will be provided as part of the PhD supervision, however, familiarity with game theoretic modelling and/or micro-economics would be advantageous.

Excellent English communication skills are required. Non-native English speakers should have an IELTS with a minimum total score of 6.5 (with at least 6 in all components) or equivalent (further details on equivalence of tests are available here). Please note that there is no IELTS requirement for non-native English speakers who have graduated from a degree in Ireland or in English.

Employment Contract at JRC

Candidates should, prior to the start of the employment contract with the JRC:

• have the nationality of a Member State of the EU or r must have been ordinarily resident in a EU Member State for at least the past five years; for reference, you can find the list of associated countries (opens in a new window)here.
• Be enrolled in a PhD programme at UCD.

Selection Process

The selection process consists of two phases. In the first phase, UCD will review applications and may invite candidates for interviews to support the assessment and create a shortlist of two to five candidates. In the second phase, the shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the JRC host unit, which will establish a final ranked list. The JRC will inform interviewed candidates about the outcome of the selection.

The Expected Timeframe For The Selection Process Is

• 14/06/26 (23:00, Dublin time): Applications Due
• 15/06/26: Invitations for first phase interviews
• 23 and/or 24/6/26: first phase interviews (online)
• 26/06/26: notification of first phase results
• Between 2/7/26 and 7/7/26: second phase of interviews (online)
• Mid July: notification of second phase results
• 01/08/26: deadline for successful candidate to accept the offer and formally apply for PhD study at UCD
• September 2026 PhD commences

PhD Environment

100%, full-time position, with tuition fees waived by the School. The funding includes a travel budget for international and a new computer.

• While at UCD, the PhD scholarship includes a tax-free PhD student stipend of €25,000 per annum. All PhD candidates will do some demonstration and/or teaching assistant hours in the School as part of their career development. These teaching activities are also an additional source of income for PhD candidates.
• While employed at the JRC, the salary and benefits are those of a JRC Grantholder Category 20, following the Grantholder Rules. The annual gross salary will be around €45,000 and is subject to national income tax.

The expected commencement date of the PhD is September 2026.

For information about the programme and its broader context, please see this overview.