Postdoc in Quantum Optimization for the Energy Transition

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Job Description

The power and energy systems community is increasingly interested in emerging computing technologies, including quantum computing, to address challenges in power system optimization, particularly in the context of the Energy Transition. Transitioning to a power system heavily reliant on weather-dependent renewable energy to achieve environmental targets introduces a critical dimension of uncertainty in power system operations, necessitating more complex and adaptive decision-making processes for system operators. While some prototypical power system optimization problems have been adapted for quantum computing, current hardware limitations restrict scalability and prevent systematic exploration of large-scale, constrained optimization problem instances where genuine quantum advantage may arise.

The focus of this project is to develop techniques that will enable gate-based quantum optimization algorithms to tackle realistic (large-scale, mixed-integer, and constrained) instances of stochastic programming problems used in power system operations under uncertainty in conjunction with classical high-performance computing.

Interesting directions for this project include, but are not limited to:

• Quantum algorithms for constrained optimization
• Mathematical decomposition-based hybrid quantum-classical optimization algorithms with convergence guarantees
• Hardware-efficient encoding of constrained optimization problems

You will primarily contribute to the Intelligent Energy Systems program within the Electrical Energy Systems group.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or a related discipline, with a focus on quantum algorithms. Knowledge of electrical power systems is a plus, but not required – you can grow into that aspect during the project.
• Availability to start no later than January 2026.
• Ability to conduct high-quality academic research in (hybrid) quantum computing, reflected in demonstrable outputs, for instance, by a relevant PhD thesis and/or publications.
• Proficiency in Python and quantum software development kits (e.g., Qiskit).
• Excellent command of the English language and good communication skills. Note that there is no Dutch language requirement.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 1 year.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

We invite you to submit a complete application using the “apply now” button on the vacancy portal. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position. Please indicate your availability.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of two references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr. Nikolaos Paterakis, Assistant Professor, n.paterakis@tue.nl. 

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.flux@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.