Design and evaluation of fault tolerance schemes in quantum computing

Position Description

Position and research focus

Postdoctoral position in the physics department of Université de Sherbrooke, with a duration of two years (extendable if funding allows) on the topic of fault tolerant quantum computing.

A main focus will be on exploring different approaches to constructing a universal logical gate set, and on co-design towards both hardware and algorithmic primitives. There is also flexibility to pursue other research directions in addition to this topic.

Envisioned start date during spring 2027.

Team and environment

The postdoctoral position will be co-hosted by the groups of Profs. Linnea Grans-Samuelsson and Stefanos Kourtis.

Prof. Linnea Grans-Samuelsson recently joined Université de Sherbrooke. Her group consists of one incoming PhD student, with further student hires planned within the timespan of the project. Further information: https://sites.google.com/view/grans-samuelsson/home

The group of Prof. Stefanos Kourtis consists of 17 students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff. The group benefits from strong and sustained funding from multiple sources, including support through our Institutional Research Chair in Quantum AI. Further information: https://nontrivial.ca/en/

Our groups are embedded in the Faculty of Science at Université de Sherbrooke, a vibrant and diverse body of students, educators, and scientists. We are part of the dynamic research environment of the Institut quantique, a research institute comprised of more than 40 research groups from the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Humanities and the School of Management, over 40 technical and professional staff members, and over 250 students and postdocs.

Tasks

• Research in fault tolerant quantum computing
• Mentoring students
• Contributing to dissemination of research results (manuscript preparation, talks)

One third of the worktime is set aside for independent projects and collaborations.

Qualifications

• PhD in theoretical physics, computer science or adjacent fields, obtained within three years from the intended start date*
• Coding experience (familiarity with python preferred)
• Capability to take a leading role in projects and to mentor students
• Familiarity with quantum computing
• Bonus: familiarity with quantum error correction

Application

• Cover letter
• Research statement (3 pages max, excluding references)
• CV including publication list
• Three letters of recommendation

All application material should be sent to linnea.grans-samuelsson@usherbrooke.ca. The email subject line should include PDFTQC. Letters should be sent directly by the letter writers, with the email subject line including PDFTQC and the name of the candidate.

Apply before December 31 for full consideration. Applications will be considered until the role is filled.

Applications from women, members of sexual and gender minorities, racialized and ethnic minority groups, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged. Accommodations for parental are available. A mentoring and professional development plan will be established for all team members.

*Postdoctoral positions at the university can only be held until five years after obtaining a PhD diploma. Exemptions exist, for example to take into account parental leave. Candidates with a diploma obtained more than three years ago that have had a break in their research career can apply, in which case the cover letter should specify the circumstances.