How should one design the ideal programming language for current and future quantum computers? What are appropriate concepts, abstractions, and paradigms? Is there a fundamental difference between programming small and large quantum computers? How can type systems and formal methods help ensure that quantum software works correctly by construction - even when current quantum hardware is noisy? How can quantum programs be debugged when quantum bits collapse upon inspection? And how can all this help algorithm designers analyze innovative new quantum algorithms?

If the above sounds exciting to you, then you should consider applying!

The research group Quantum Information at Ruhr University Bochum led by Prof. Michael Walter is hoping to recruit a doctoral student (m/f/d, 100%, 3 years) for the interdisciplinary BMBF project QuBRA. You will work towards a doctorate on questions such as the above, as part of a close-knit interdisciplinary team of more than 20 academic and industrial experts across Germany in a consortium aimed at evaluating quantum algorithms against best-in-class classical optimization methods to identify the regime of quantum advantage. At the Faculty of Computer Science at Bochum, you can expect a vibrant scientific environment and many opportunities for interaction with the cluster of excellence CASA and the newly founded Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy.

Ideally, you have a background in one or more of the following areas: programming language theory, formal methods, software engineering, quantum algorithms, quantum complexity, quantum information, and you are interested in learning more about the others, while working closely and interactively with colleagues from different areas.

We require a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics (or equivalent) and an above-average track record during your studies.
In addition, we require fluency in written and spoken English.
We value creativity, mathematical rigor, and openness to interdisciplinary collaborations.

If you are interested, please email the following information in a single PDF file to Michael Walter with subject line "QuBRA PhD":

1. letter of motivation (no more than 2 pages)
2. CV, including transcripts and list of publications (or electronic copy of your Master's thesis)
3. electronic contact details of two references

The current deadline is February 28, 2022, but later applications will be considered until the position is filled. We are hoping that you can start in the first half of 2022.

The salary is based on the German TV-L E13 pay scale (100%). Applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged.