PhD Student in Quantum Error Correction at Simula UiB

Simula UiB (https://simula-uib.com) is a research institute in Cryptography and Information Theory located in Bergen, Norway. The Department of Information Theory is currently looking for an outstanding candidate for a PhD researcher position focusing on quantum error correction and quantum information theory. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Hsuan-Yin Lin and Eirik Rosnes.

We invite you to engage with some of the most compelling research challenges at the frontier of quantum information theory and coding. This project aims to elucidate the fundamental limits of quantum error correction (QEC) while concurrently advancing efficient decoding algorithms for quantum error-correcting codes in the near-term, noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to both foundational research questions and the design of novel, practical quantum decoding algorithms that approach the ultimate performance limits of QEC. Although specific research topics will be defined in collaboration with the selected candidate, potential directions include investigating the efficient, low-complexity, and high-performance decoding of quantum low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes and deriving tighter bounds on the logical error rates of quantum Calderbank-Shor-Steane (CSS)/LDPC codes under the phenomenological or circuit-level noise models, with particular relevance to the practical constraints of the NISQ era. This position offers not only the opportunity to pursue and shape an independent research agenda but also the possibility to contribute meaningfully to the practical realisation of fault-tolerant quantum computing.

Simula UiB currently has 11 early-career researchers working on a range of research problems in cryptography and information theory. We can offer a vibrant, stimulating, and inclusive working environment to successful candidates. The position is for three years, and the hired candidate will be admitted to the PhD program of and receive their PhD degree from the University of Bergen (https://www.uib.no/en/nt/52899/admission-phd-programme-faculty-science-and-technology)

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a candidate who has completed or is about to complete a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Quantum Physics, or a closely related field to work on the exciting and emerging field of quantum error correction. The successful candidate will possess a strong theoretical and practical understanding of error correction, information theory, and quantum information theory. In addition, a solid background in the mathematical methods and algorithms related to the decoding performance of error-correcting codes is an advantage. The candidate must be highly motivated and be able to demonstrate potential for conducting original research in quantum error correction and quantum information theory. We expect the candidate to have good communication skills and be fluent in English, both in writing and speaking. Finally, the successful candidate will have good interpersonal skills and be willing and able to contribute to Simula UiB’s working environment.

The Simula group appreciates diversity. We currently employ approximately 180 individuals from 41 countries and strive to create a family-friendly working environment. We are an equal-opportunity employer and especially encourage women to apply. The webpage (https://www.simula.no/about/simula-culture) provides more in-depth information about Simula culture.