We are looking for (a) highly motivated candidate(s) for 1-2 fully funded PhD positions in quantum information and quantum foundations, starting September 2025, at Université de Montréal (UdeM), in the vibrant city of Montréal in Québec, Canada!
The successful candidate(s) will work under the supervision of Prof Hlér Kristjánsson (joining UdeM in January 2025, Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=yVSi4h0AAAAJ&hl=en | UdeM webpage: http://www-labs.iro.umontreal.ca/~hler/ | Mila webpage: https://mila.quebec/en/directory/hler-kristjansson-upcoming-member ) in the Department of Computer Science and Operations Research. For candidates interested in applying quantum foundations/information to machine learning, membership of Mila – Québec AI Institute is also possible (interest or experience in AI is not expected for other research topics).
Possible research topics:
- Causality in quantum theory (including indefinite causal order)
- Quantum algorithms from a functional programming perspective
- Foundational approaches to quantum machine learning (possible co-supervision at Mila)
- Applications of the above to simulation of physical systems
- Other interdisciplinary topics possible too
Why come to Montréal?
- Vibrant cultural scene, home to many annual music and arts festivals
- Bilingual city (French/English) with an international environment
- Ranked as best student city in North America and Top 10 in the world!
- Department of Computer Science and Operations Research (DIRO) is ranked Top 3 in Canada and Top 50 in the world for computer science
- DIRO is home to both founding pioneers of quantum information Prof Gilles Brassard and of machine learning Prof Yoshua Bengio
Requirements:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, computer science, mathematics or related fields. (In exceptional cases, a candidate with only a bachelor’s degree will be considered, for example if the candidate already has relevant publishable research experience.)
- Fluency in written and spoken English
- Strong working knowledge of quantum mechanics and/or quantum information
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work in a team
Application process:
Interested and eligible candidates should send an email to Prof Hlér Kristjánsson at hler.kristjansson@perimeterinstitute.ca by the end of 13 January 2025 (AoE) with the subject line “PhD application UdeM – [your name]” and the following information:
- Up to date CV
- Personal statement outlining your research experience, research interests and motivations for pursuing a PhD in this field, and if relevant, any extenuating circumstances
- Transcripts from bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- 2-3 reference letters sent directly to the above email address with the subject line “PhD application UdeM – reference for [your name]”
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in mid/late January 2025.
Applicants from women and underrepresented groups in computer science are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants with non-standard academic career trajectories are also welcome to apply.
Additional information on applications:
- For shortlisted candidates, an official application must be submitted to the Department of Computer Science and Operations Research at Université de Montréal by 1st February 2025, as per the instructions at https://diro.umontreal.ca/en/english/programs/graduate-programs/phd-in-c...
- For applicants wishing to apply through Mila, the deadline is 1st December 2024 through the Mila website: https://mila.quebec/en/prospective-students-and-postdocs/research-progra... (the Université de Montréal application must be completed by 1st Feb too).
- For Canadian applicants, additional positions may be available if you secure a government scholarship, e.g. NSERC or FRQNT. If you want to apply for these scholarships, please apply well in advance of the scholarship deadlines.
