At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.ch

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization.

The proposed work contributes to the implementation of quantum computing algorithms and technologies for theory, phenomenology and computational aspects related to LHC and future colliders at CERN. The research fellowship position is based on CERN’s Department of Theoretical Physics (CERN-TH) and focuses on the development of high performance simulation codes for quantum algorithms, with emphasis on quantum optimization problems, quantum machine learning, and many-body quantum simulations applied to High Energy Physics (HEP). Research activities will include hybrid classical-quantum approaches, neural- and tensor-network tools, quantum signal processing, quantum error correction or mitigation, computational complexity, verification or benchmarking schemes for quantum devices, and quantum-circuit compiling and optimization.

As a  Research Fellow you will:

• Design, implement and benchmark quantum algorithms for applications in HEP;
• Develop hybrid classic-quantum mathematical models based on variational quantum architectures. Design open source libraries for quantum machine learning applications, including regression, classification and generative models for HEP;
• Work in synergy with Research Fellows from the CERN-TH group and PhD students from the Quantum Technology Initiative. Organize, participate and promote quantum computation at CERN, with journal clubs, seminars, workshops and conferences.

In order to qualify for a place on the programme you will need to meet the following requirements:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State. (https://home.cern/about/member-states). A limited number of positions are also available to candidates from Non-Member States.
• You have a PhD in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics or in a similar relevant field (or the defense date is already scheduled, and your PhD will be completed, not later than February 2023).
• You have no more than 6 years’ research experience after completion of your PhD degree.

Essential skills and experience

• Research experience, documented by publications in peer reviewed journals, in at least one of the following fields: quantum information, theoretical particle physics, computational physics;
• Basic knowledge and/or strong interest in high performance computing, hardware accelerators (GPUs), multi-node grid computing, mathematical models, including artificial intelligence applied to physics;
• Good communication skills and ability to perform research in a collaborative environment, in synergy with other researchers.

Please note that CERN Staff members are not eligible to apply for a Research Fellowship.

CERN would very much like to benefit from your expertise, commitment and passion.  In return, CERN will provide you with:

• An employment contract for in principle 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months.
• A stipend ranging from 6,650 to 7,050 Swiss francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: an installation grant, family, child and infant allowances as well as travel expenses to and from Geneva.
• 2.5 days of paid leave per month.

Your future Life @CERN

Get a glimpse of what it’s like to work at CERN: https://careers.cern/benefits and https://careers.cern/our-people

This is how you can apply:

You will need the following documents (in PDF format, as separate files) to complete your application:

• A CV.
• Your most recent relevant qualification.
• A statement of research interests highlighting your plans for the research fellowship (maximum one page).
• Three recent letters of recommendation (not older than a year at the time of the deadline for applications) giving an overview of your academic and/or professional achievements.
  • You can upload these letters at the time of application if you have them to hand. You will also be provided with a link as soon as you have submitted your application to forward to your referees to upload their letters confidentially. Please note this must be done before the closing date.

When filling in the online application form, you will also be asked to specify:

1. Up to five most important publications to which you have made a significant contribution;
2. Up to five international conferences or workshops at which you have given presentations;
3. Up to five public or internal notes to which you have contributed personally;
4. For experimentalists, up to three experiments in which you have participated.

All applications should normally reach us no later than 5 September 2022 at noon (12.00 PM CEST).

Please note that all the documents you upload will remain attached to your Smartrecruiters profile. You do not need to upload them again for other applications you might submit.