Applications are invited for a position as a Post-Doctoral Research Officer at the Department of Physics in the College of Science at Swansea University, to develop research in the field of theoretical quantum information, under the supervision of Dr Markus Müller.

We seek a highly motivated, skilled and independent researcher, who will join our recently established theory group and proactively contribute to ongoing grant-funded research in the area of topological quantum computation and quantum error correction (QEC). The project is part of an international research collaboration, which in a combined effort aims at the realisation of logical qubits, which outperform their constituting physical qubits – a key achievement to be reached on the route towards large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers. The interdisciplinary consortium is led by the ion-trap group of Prof R. Blatt at Innsbruck University, and involves experimental groups at Mainz University, ETH Zurich, Sydney University, as well as theory nodes based at Oxford and Swansea University.

The theory research will focus on, but is not limited to, the theoretical development of realistic schemes for fault-tolerant quantum information processing in AMO systems, in particular state-of-the-art trapped ion architectures. One focus will lie on numerical and analytical studies of the performance of increasingly larger logical qubits under realistic noise sources, the determination of error thresholds and the crossover behaviour in finite systems. This includes the development and analysis of extendible QEC schemes that allow one to operate larger registers of logical qubits, based on most modern approaches to quantum error correction, including variants of surface codes and topological color codes. On the other hand, this will be accompanied by work that aims at the identification of realistic schemes to reach this break-even point of quantum error correction in the medium-scale experimental systems that are developed and explored within the collaboration.

Candidates should hold a PhD in physics or a closely related field and ideally have a strong background in one or several of the following areas: quantum information and quantum error correction, topological quantum computation, quantum many-body systems, statistical physics, quantum optics, and atomic physics. Solid programming skills and working experience in numerical simulation, based e.g. on Monte-Carlo type techniques, are desirable and highly valuable for the project.

The successful applicant will be an integral part of the research collaboration, of our team and of the Atomic, Molecular and Quantum Physics (AMQP) Group in Swansea, the latter covering theoretical and experimental research ranging from antimatter studies, the CryoEDM experiment, quantum control, quantum information processing, cold atom physics, nano-scale physics and the life sciences, analytical laser spectroscopy to ultrafast dynamics, imaging and microscopy.

This is a fixed term position for 2 years in the first place, but it may be extended beyond this period. The position is based on fixed-term contracts that are renewable annually, conditional on renewal of the underlying grant. The preferred start date is 1 October 2016, but it is negotiable depending on the circumstances of the successful applicant.

It is anticipated that interviews will be held shortly after the closing date (i.e. at the end of August 2016).

Applicants should include in their application the contact details of two academic referees who are willing to provide references if contacted during the interview stage or prior to an appointment.

Informal enquiries are welcome and may be made to Dr Markus Müller at markus.muller@swansea.ac.uk

To apply online please go to:

http://www.swansea.ac.uk/personnel/jobs/details.php?nPostingId=3510&nPos...

Closing date: 14 August 2016 .