We are looking for six (6) scientific and technical staff members 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 Marek Żukowski, Ana Belén Sainz, Łukasz Rudnicki, Marcin Pawłowski, Michał Studziński and Paweł Horodecki (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. Active participation in the research activities of the group.
2. Presentation and discussion of ideas and results with a diverse audience at ICTQT and at external events.
3. Organizing and participation in seminars, group meetings, conferences, and other activities of scientific exchange.
4. Close collaboration with the scientific and administrative team regarding the needs of the research group.
5. Operation of specialized equipment for research purposes.

Keywords: theory of quantum technologies, quantum information, quantum information processing, quantum cybersecurity, quantum devices, quantum thermodynamics, quantum algorithms, higher-order quantum computing, symmetries and representation theory.

About the 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 focuses 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 are addressing the needs of the maritime sector, including off-shore wind farms. We collaborate with our strategic partner, IQOQI-Vienna, groups majoring in experiments in Warsaw, Stockholm, Munich and Concepción, and with industrial partners, including SeQure Quantum.

About research groups

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.

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.

Coarse-grained Quantum Technologies Group (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.

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.

Quantum Devices in Computer Science Group (QDCS) led by Michał Studziński

The main goals of the project are to develop algorithmic schemes for (i) quantum measurements and (ii) NISQ and beyond-NISQ quantum computing, optimize devices for specific implementations, and develop novel paradigms for special-purpose quantum devices beyond quantum computing. The optimization of quantum devices for communication, NISQ, and beyond-NISQ computing, as well as the design of new devices based on graph structures, symmetries with a wide range of applications is planned.

Physics of Quantum Devices Group (PQD) led by Paweł Horodecki

The group’s objectives are: analysis of physical implementations of quantum devices, understanding their dynamics, and optimizing their performance. This includes research on quantum thermal machines, quantum batteries, quantum gates. The group’s tasks include: designing scenarios for efficient charging quantum batteries, new schemes for cooling via microscopic fridges, optimizing pulses for quantum gates to reduce decoherence. Also design and optimization of quantum heat engines and other thermal machines.

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Application deadline: March 24th, 2025 CET (inclusively).