Quantum algorithms researcher

Are you interested in quantum computing and looking for a new job opportunity in the field? Would you like to develop innovative technology with superb colleagues who are top experts in their field? Do you want to build an excellent science career and work at the interface of academy and industry?

VTT is one of the leading applied research organisations in Europe. What unites us are curiosity, a passion for learning and a purpose: to solve the biggest challenges of our time and turn them into sustainable growth and well-being. Our cross-disciplinary community of over 2000 brilliant minds is focused on creating impact through science-based innovation. Get to know us further by exploring VTT’s research infra at VTT World. 

We are now looking for a Quantum algorithms researcher to join our Quantum algorithms and software team, Espoo

As a researcher, your key goals are to prepare and lead projects about quantum computing applications to real-world use cases. In this position, you will have an essential role in creating impact with quantum computing together with companies and defining future research topics of the team.

You work with colleagues who develop cutting-edge superconducting hardware and algorithms for quantum computers. VTT takes part to develop Finland’s first quantum computer that will be available for quantum applications. VTT is a member of leading European quantum technology research projects (OpenSuperQ+) as well as national initiatives (e.g. Quantum Technology Finland).

Our team, Quantum algorithms and software develops quantum algorithms for use cases such as complex network analysis, synthetic biology, computational chemistry and machine learning. We work together with domain teams at VTT and contribute to VTT’s key strategical choice of creating the quantum leap in computing to solve global challenges.

As a researcher, you will:

• lead national and international projects – as a project, WP or task leader
• network with national and international quantum computing stakeholders
• ideate new research topics together with the team and the network
• prepare projects around the new topics for national and international public funding sources, as well as company projects

Who we are looking for:

• experience of leading projects
• at least 5 years of experience in research on quantum algorithms and software or relevant topics
• 2 years of experience in preparing projects and networking in the field of quantum computing
• knowhow in quantum algorithms (e.g. search, quantum ML, variational, optimization)
• experience of applying existing algorithm families or developing new algorithms
• (Ph.D. in physics, mathematics or computer science)  

As a person, we hope that you are:

• good at communicating and collaborating with people
• proactive and creative
• able to identify and solve problems independently and understand the big picture to provide input at all stages of project work
• flexible and adaptive to handle uncertainty of dynamic research topics

What we offer you: 

• Visionary work in technology. We offer positions at the cutting-edge of technology and engineering from next generation microelectronics and quantum technology to automation and robotics, energy systems and more. Our research agenda is dedicated to creating sustainable growth by solving systemic and technological challenges, so your work will go towards creating real, positive impact. Read more about our strategy – the path of exponential hope.
• Fascinating projects, excellent research environment. With us, you get to work on a combination of cutting-edge academic research and applied customer projects, both locally and internationally.
• Great career opportunities, superb colleagues. At VTT, excellence in research is a strategic priority. We offer long-term positions and stable career paths in top-level research. People tend to stay with us over 10 years since there are always new roles and responsibilities to grow into. Collaborating in a cross-disciplinary community with superb colleagues is a source of learning, inspiration, and fun.
• Support for your well-being. Our people are our main asset, so we take good care of them. We aim to nurture great team spirit and leadership and offer versatile well-being services to enable a good work–life balance. On top of 6 weeks of paid holidays, we offer exercise and culture benefits, hobby clubs, and voluntary well-being services such as meditation programmes and trainings on cognitive ergonomics.

Please send your CV and application via our recruitment system as soon as possible but at the latest by 1st of December 2024.  A security clearance procedure may be conducted during the recruitment process.