Context
This research project focuses on the development of quantum and quantum-inspired algorithms tailored for telecommunication applications, building on the advanced quantum computing expertise of Prof. Stefanos Kourtis’s research group and the cutting-edge technological capabilities of Ericsson Canada Inc., a leader in 5G and distributed cloud architectures. By utilizing both NISQ quantum devices and high-performance classical processors, the project aims to connect foundational quantum research with practical solutions for network optimization and data management.

Project
This project will develop novel quantum algorithms that will accelerate the processing of telecommunication tasks. The algorithms proposed will be tailored to two distinct hardware stacks, both of which are already available, but will also see rapid improvement and proliferation in the short term. First, we will design hybrid quantum optimization algorithms suitable for deployment on existing and upcoming noisy quantum chips. Second, we will devise quantum-inspired algorithms that can be deployed on high-performance computing infrastructure. We will harness this computational arsenal to determine performance advantages in telecommunication challenges. We will target commonly occurring combinatorial enumeration and optimization problems in telecommunication workloads, such as data encoding, network (re)configuration, and routing.

Partner
Ericsson Canada Inc. hosts in Montreal one of Ericsson corporate research labs which focuses on management of distributed cloud architectures and advanced processing technologies. Ericsson is a major telecommunication equipment supplier and a leader in 5G. As 5G will be driven by network softwarization and will be deployed in distributed cloud data centers, Ericsson now has the strategic objective to research new technologies which can accelerate the 5G workloads.

Team & environment
The selected postdoctoral researcher will be joining a dynamic team of 17 students, postdocs, and researchers, led by Prof. Stefanos Kourtis. The team’s research activities enjoy generous financial support from a variety of funding sources.

Our research team is 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 30 research groups from the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Humanities and the School of Management, 25 technical and professional staff members, and over 200 students and postdocs.

Role available
Two postdoctoral researchers. The role will be remunerated competitively.

The position is based at the Université de Sherbrooke campus, with flexibility for remote work.
Candidates who identify as women, members of gender, sexual, visible or ethnic minorities, Indigenous people, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations for maternity / paternity are available. A mentoring and professional development plan will be established for all team members.

Main tasks
• Develop quantum and quantum-inspired optimization methodologies for telecommunications workloads.
• Manage research activities to meet or revise project roadmap
• Coordinate with Ericsson collaborators

Qualifications
• PhD in quantum information theory, theoretical computer science, theoretical physics or a relevant field – must have been awarded within the last two years
• Strong capabilities in independent preparation of research manuscripts
• Capacity to work with a high degree of autonomy
• Familiarity with quantum algorithms
• Familiarity with combinatorial optimization and enumeration.
• Coding experience (Python and / or C preferred)
• Desire to support a dynamic and diverse research team

Application
Interested applicants should provide the following:
• Letter of motivation; where possible, provide concrete examples of qualifications and strong suits
• CV including (i) publication list and (ii) names and contact information of 2 references; where possible, provide concrete examples of qualifications and strong suits
• Sample of independently authored research manuscript or code repository

Application material should be sent to quantum.ai@usherbrooke.ca