Conducting research for a changing society: This is what drives us at Forschungszentrum Jülich. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, we aim to tackle the grand societal challenges of our time and conduct research into the possibilities of a digitized society, a climate-friendly energy system, and a resource-efficient economy. Work together with around 7,400 employees in one of Europe’s biggest research centers and help us to shape change!
Are you interested in pursuing a research project in data science using quantum computing on state-of-the-art quantum devices and supercomputers? The Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC) is seeking applicants for a joint PhD position in collaboration with the simulation and data lab “AI and Machine Learning for Remote Sensing” and the research group “Quantum Information Processing”. At JSC, we operate the Jülich UNified Infrastructure for Quantum Computing (JUNIQ), a uniform Quantum Computing Platform as a Service (QC-PaaS), which provides European users with support and access to quantum computer emulators and quantum computing technologies at various levels of technological maturity. JUNIQ integrates quantum computers into quantum-classical hybrid computing systems, seamlessly connecting them with Europe’s most powerful high-performance computing (HPC) systems for scientific and engineering applications. Our teams are actively involved in developing hybrid quantum-classical machine learning models and optimization algorithms for Earth Observation (EO) applications.
We are offering a
PhD Position - Hybrid Quantum Computing for Earth Observation Quantum computing holds immense economic potential and societal impact, already showing unprecedented capabilities in tasks like prime factorization and decryption. It could also disrupt geosciences and remote sensing, particularly for Earth Observation (EO) applications in quantum machine learning and optimization. These advances are key for speeding up data processing, analysis, and integration into models, which are critical for future digital twin systems and for pursuing sustainable development goals such as climate action. The main tasks of your PhD project are:
Developing and implementing hybrid quantum-classical algorithms on HPC systems to address current limitations of quantum devices, contributing to the definition of requirements for practical and impactful quantum computing
Adapting these algorithms for Earth Observation (EO) use cases to test and benchmark the latest quantum technologies
Enhancing JUNIQ’s user platform by integrating quantum computers into JSC’s modular supercomputer
Designing and delivering training programs for quantum computing users
Contributing to educational events, such as courses and hackathons, for users with multidisciplinary research backgrounds
Presenting research outcomes to stakeholders and the wider research community through meetings, conferences, and publications in high-impact journals
Master’s degree in quantum physics, computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, or a related field
Experience in quantum computer programming
Intermediate knowledge of AI, applied Machine Learning, Deep Learning workflows, and commonly used software libraries
A strong interest in applying your data science expertise to satellite data
Interest and/or experience in developing and delivering lectures or training sessions in applied quantum computing
Excellent command of written and spoken English
Strong cooperation and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a scientific team in an international and interdisciplinary setting
We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the opportunity to actively help in shaping change! Here is what Forschungszentrum Jülich can offer you:
You will be based and employed at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre and enrolled in the doctoral program of the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering (University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland)
Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure - ideal conditions for successfully completing a doctoral degree
Highly motivated researchers as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe’s largest research establishments
Continuous scientific mentoring by your scientific advisor
Access to advanced supercomputers, in particular Modular Supercomputing Architecture (MSA) environments
Chance of participation in (international) top conferences in the field of QC, ML, HPC, and remote sensing
Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g. remote work
Opportunity to develop your strengths, e.g. through a comprehensive training program; a structured program including continuing professional development and networking opportunities specifically designed for Jülich’s doctoral researchers by the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors (JuDocS): https://go.fzj.de/JuDocs
30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
In addition to exciting tasks and the collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/julich-as-an-employer/benefits.
The position is for a fixed term of three years. Pay is in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund). In addition, an annual special payment is granted (“Christmas payment”), which amounts to 60% of the monthly salary. Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich (including its various branch offices) is available at https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/phd. All information about the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) can be found on the BMI website: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed. The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 66 of the PDF download.