Postdoc – Hybrid Quantum Computing for Earth Observation

Conducting research for a changing society: This is what drives us at Forschungs­zentrum Jülich. As a member of the Helm­holtz Asso­ciation, we aim to tackle the grand societal challenges of our time and conduct research into the possi­bilities of a digitized society, a climate-friendly energy system, and a resource-efficient economy. Work together with around 7,400 employees in one of Europe’s biggest research centers and help us to shape change!

Do you hold a PhD in quantum physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or mathematics and have experience in applying quantum computing to data science problems, preferably using quantum machine learning and optimization algorithms? Our simulation and data lab “AI and ML for Remote Sensing”, along with the “Quantum Information Processing” group at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC), is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to advance quantum computing for Earth Observation (EO) applications. We tackle challenging datasets and develop hybrid quantum-classical algorithms on HPC systems, pushing the boundaries of current quantum devices and contributing to practical quantum computing. At JSC, we operate the Jülich UNified Infrastructure for Quantum Computing (JUNIQ), a quantum computing platform which provides European users with access to quantum computers and emulators at various maturity levels. JUNIQ integrates quantum computers into hybrid systems, connecting them with Europe’s most powerful high-performance computing systems for scientific and engineering applications.

Join our team at the earliest possible date as a

Postdoc – Hybrid Quantum Computing for Earth Observation

Your Job:

Quantum computing holds immense economic potential and societal impact, already showing unprecedented capabilities in tasks like prime factorization and decryption. It could also disrupt geosciences and remote sensing, particularly for Earth Observation (EO) applications in quantum machine learning and optimization. These advances are key for speeding up data processing, analysis, and integration into models, which are critical for future digital twin systems and for pursuing sustainable development goals such as climate action. Your main tasks will be:

• Developing and implementing hybrid quantum-classical algorithms on HPC systems to address current limitations of quantum devices, contributing to the definition of requirements for practical and impactful quantum computing
• Adapting these algorithms for Earth Observation (EO) use cases to test and benchmark the latest quantum technologies
• Enhancing JUNIQ’s user platform by integrating quantum computers into JSC’s modular supercomputer
• Designing and delivering training programs for quantum computing users
• Contributing to educational events, such as courses and hackathons, for users with multidisciplinary research backgrounds
• Collaborating with project partners from academia and industry
• Presenting research outcomes to stakeholders and the wider research community through meetings, conferences, and publications in high-impact journals

Your Profile:

• Master’s degree and PhD in quantum physics, computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, or a related field
• Experience in applying quantum machine learning and optimization algorithms for problems in data science
• Experience in quantum computer programming
• Experience in cloud computing and building cloud computing infrastructure
• Strong knowledge of AI, applied machine learning, deep learning workflows, and commonly used software libraries
• A strong interest in applying your data science expertise to satellite data
• Interest and/or experience in developing and delivering lectures or training sessions in applied quantum computing
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Strong cooperation and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a scientific team in an international and interdisciplinary setting

Our Offer:
We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the opportunity to actively help in shaping change! Here is what Forschungs­zentrum Jülich can offer you:

• Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure
• Highly motivated researchers as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe’s largest research establishments
• Access to advanced supercomputers, in particular Modular Supercomputing Architecture (MSA) environments
• Chance of participation in (international) top conferences in the field of QC, ML, HPC, and remote sensing
• Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g. remote work
• Flexible working hours in a full-time position (39 hours / week) with the option of slightly reduced working hours
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits.

You will be employed for a fixed term of two years. Salary and social security benefits will conform to the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund), pay group 13, depending on your current qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks assigned to you. All information about the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) can be found on the BMI website: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed. The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 66 of the PDF download.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g., in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic, and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

We look forward to receiving your application. The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible via our Online Recruitment System!

Questions about the Offer?
Please feel free to contact us via our contact form. Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications via e-mail.

You can find helpful information on the application and selection process here. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs.

www.fz-juelich.de