Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

This new full time post is available from 1 January 2023 on a fixed term basis until 31 December 2024.

Summary of the role
We wish to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow working in the area of quantum computing and simulation. The post is offered to work in the group of Dr. Oleksandr Kyriienko (Department of Physics, University of Exeter). A successful applicant will join the project on developing quantum algorithms for machine learning. The post will be hosted by the University of Exeter, Streatham campus. The funding is provided for an initial two-year contact, to start as soon as possible, with the tentative starting date of 01 Jan 2023.

The successful applicant will do research in the field of quantum computing. We are looking for candidates with a background in quantum algorithms, quantum optics, and theoretical machine learning. Strong candidates from condensed matter theory and statistical physics (with the desire to move towards QML) will also be considered.

The post will target the tasks of developing original quantum algorithms, considering relevant applications in the field. The duties will include theoretical proposing and investigating novel QML protocols, testing them in silico, prototyping software realizations, and helping with quantum hardware implementations. The candidate will have regular interaction with the industrial partner and collaborators, as well as mentor junior team members. The results will be reported in the form of peer-reviewed publications (where applicable) or internal reports, and contributing to patent applications.

About you
Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be able to perform calculations (analytical, numerical) in the areas of quantum computing and quantum machine learning. The areas of technical expertise include backgrounds in quantum information, quantum simulation, quantum optics, theoretical machine learning, condensed matter theory.

The successful applicant will have excellent writing skills, desire to self-study, will be goal-oriented and motivated to work closely within the rapidly developing quantum start-up community. Importantly, they shall show the ability to work in a virtual environment and possess a self-discipline for doing research remotely if required.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

The University of Exeter
We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022).
 
Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. More than 99% of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (2021 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Benefits
We offer some fantastic benefits including:

- 41 days leave per year
- options for flexible working
- numerous discounts at leading retailers
- onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
- sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
- stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

Further information
Please contact Dr. Oleksandr Kyriienko directly via e-mail at o.kyriienko@exeter.ac.uk.