We are looking for four (4) Post-doctoral Researchers to work in the International Centre for Theory of Quantum Technologies (ICTQT) hosted by the University of Gdańsk. The positions are offered in the research groups led by Ana Belén Sainz, Łukasz Rudnicki, Marcin Pawłowski and Marek Żukowski (one per group).

The positions have been created as part of the FENG project No. FENG.02.01-IP.05-0006/23 "International Centre for Theory of Quantum Technologies 2.0: R&D Industrial and Experimental Phase”. The project is implemented under the International Research Agenda program financed by the European Funds for a Smart Economy 2021-2027 (FENG), Priority FENG.02 Innovation-friendly environment, Measure FENG.02.01 International Research Agendas.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Actively conducting scientific research.
2. Presentation and discussion of ideas and results with a diverse audience at ICTQT and at external events.
3. Participation in seminars, group meetings, and other activities of scientific exchange.

Keywords: quantum computation, resource theories, categorical quantum mechanics, graphical calculi, machine learning, optimisation.

About FENG project

The increasing number of interconnected devices has made secure information transfer and collection essential. However, communication networks are vulnerable to attacks, and cryptographic codes can become breakable with advances in computer algorithms. Quantum technologies offer solutions to such problems, enabling processes that are impossible with standard methods. However, even though few examples of quantum technologies have passed beyond the proof of concept stage, there are still factors which hinder their application potential. The run-of-the-mill development strategy is to keep the core methods behind quantum technologies as they are and focus on incremental improvements of various components. In our opinion, what quantum technologies need rapid progress, to reach the expected high socioeconomic impact, are qualitative breakthroughs and the introduction of new core methodologies. Thus, our emblematic technological goals relevant for both the research agenda of the project No. FENG.02.01-IP.05-0006/23 and the scientific mission of ICTQT, are to develop new out-of-the-box disruptive methods for quantum technologies, as well as new applications of quantum methods, both aimed at broader and faster commercialization. Our research will focus on developing quantum devices and patentable intellectual property, such as quantum random number generators, quantum communication links, improved sensing and metrology or quantum software. We shall address the needs of the maritime sector, including off-shore wind farms. We shall collaborate with the official partner, IQOQI-Vienna, groups majoring in experiments in Warsaw, Stockholm, Munich and Concepción, and with industrial partners, including SeQure Quantum.

About Research Groups (one post-doc for each group will be employed)

Theoretical Underpinnings of Quantum Technologies Group (TUQT) led by Ana Belén Sainz

The group tackles two main research lines. The first one is “Designing quantum algorithms for causal discovery”. There, we aim to combine newly-developed tools from the fields of causation and inference, and apply them to the question of how to identify the cause-effect relations among a set of variables/systems given their statistical data. The second line is “Identifying and optimizing computational power”. Here we aim to research the source, the structure, and the extent of advantage offered by quantum resources in quantum computation by exploring how to quantify the cost of resources and then optimize their use. We will potentially collaborate with industrial partners. The recruited doctor will become acquainted with both classical causation tools and the formalism of so-called causal inferential theories. Combining these the candidate will pursue the question of how to propose intrinsically quantum notions of causation and inference. In addition, they will explore how to design algorithms that can leverage these quantum notions to identify the possibly cause-effect relations underpinning physical systems or variables. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the candidate will become familiar with specific architectures of quantum computing, such as photonic implementations. They will leverage resource-theoretic approaches to quantum resources to explore the range of applicability of current benchmarks of quantum advantage. They will further explore how to optimize the use of resources in quantum implementations of computation, potentially in collaboration with industrial partners.

Coarse-grained Quantum Technologies (CGQT) led by Łukasz Rudnicki

The aim of the group is to explore protocols in which quantum control, optimization, and measurement are all focused on only a few parameters of the system, still achieving a very good performance in a setup that is conveniently implementable and scalable. Applications to cryptography and metrology are in the main scope of the group. Main task for a post-doctoral researcher: optical quantum metrology relevant for realistic experimental conditions and practical applications.

Quantum Cybersecurity group (QC) led by Marcin Pawłowski

The main research line is secure communication: development of new protocols, and re-analysis of earlier ones to improve them, as well as security analysis of both. The strategic goal is to facilitate the implementation of quantum communication protocols in practice. To achieve it, the group will work on a wide range of issues: We will study fundamental laws of physics to find those on which methods of secure information processing can be based as efficiently as possible. We will study new security paradigms that allow easier construction of quantum cryptography devices. We will seek new, both analytical and numerical methods for proving information privacy. We will work with real devices to optimize their performance and integrate them with existing cryptographic systems. Active participation in the above research endeavor is expected form the recruited post-doc.

Multiphoton Quantum Optics for Quantum Information Group (MQOQI) led by Marek Żukowski

Blueprints of prototypes for quantum communication, sensing, and information processing based on quantum optical interferometric methods. New quantum protocols and technologies, esp. in quantum communication via multiphoton interferometry. Our aim: applied quantum information science of immediate experimental testability, new protocols, search for new non-classical quantum effects, and indicators of these. Study of limitations concerning existing schemes or devices. Search for metrological applications. Operational translation of schemes proposed in ICTQT into experimental setups; feasibility studies. New avenues in quantum optics allowing new quantum protocols. Indicators of non-classicality. Application of theoretical/operational/experimental methods of quantum multiphoton interferometry to other valuable processes for quantum communication and information processing. The research program is open ended, and may evolve. Role of a post-doctoral researcher: active participation in the research.

Basic information about ICTQT

The International Centre for Theory of Quantum Technologies (ICTQT) is a joint research unit of the University of Gdańsk (UG) and the Institute of Quantum Optics and Quantum Information of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IQOQI-Vienna) subordinated to the UG Rector. ICTQT was established in 2018 as a part of the International Research Agendas program co-financed by the Foundation for Polish Science. The founders of ICTQT are Marek Zukowski and Pawel Horodecki.
ICTQT is a pioneering and leading quantum information research center in Poland, focused on quantum communication and new computing techniques. The purpose of the ICTQT is to conduct scientific research and development works under the adopted ICTQT Research Agenda, in an international academic environment and at the highest academic level, with due regard for high ethical standards, good academic practice in particular, and to disseminate knowledge.
ICTQT is located in Gdansk, near Gdynia and Sopot, which together form Tri-City. The mentioned region is the cradle of Polish jazz and rock festivals. Moreover, it is one of Poland's most beautifully located urban areas, with sandy sea beaches, lakes, and woods nearby.

Job offer details, click here.

Recruitment form, click here.

Application deadline: July 22nd, 2024, 00:00 CEST.