Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in Quantum Computing for Earth Observation

This fellowship aims to explore the use of quantum computing for Earth observation (EO) applications, potentially in combination with artificial intelligence and high-performance computing (HPC) technologies. In particular, you will apply (hybrid) quantum computing solutions to EO use cases for which current classical computing algorithms are NP-hard or, in general, difficult to implement.

In particular, you will:

• undertake advanced research activities exploring and expanding the use of disruptive and transformative innovation such as AI, ML, quantum computing and edge computing to develop new frameworks and solutions. Research may cover a wide range of innovative topics:
  • exploration of innovative methodologies and technologies;
  • development of novel methods, new technology implementations, (e.g. ML models) and/or high-level products;
  • contribution to the development and curation of open data sets and tools enabling the community to develop its own AI for applications and research.
• support the definition and implementation of rapid prototyping activities, research sprints and open challenges of innovative EO solutions addressing upcoming lab activities and wider strategy;
• engage with the innovation ecosystem to promote the uptake of new techniques and capture the latest developments in EO and disruptive/transformative innovation;
• publish the research project outcomes in high-impact journals;
• drive collaboration within the Φ-lab community and ESA internal teams to promote the uptake of these new techniques and solutions;
• contribute to the Φ-lab strategy, activities and outreach on disruptive technologies for EO;
• maintain a continuous dialogue with the scientific community, including major international programmes and initiatives in the field;
• support the Φ-lab’s daily activities and research network of ESA Graduate Trainees, National Trainees, Interns and Visiting Researchers, as applicable;
• conduct fundamental research on (hybrid) quantum computing algorithms (e.g., error detection/mitigation techniques, quantum/hybrid implementations of AI algorithms, novel quantum computing algorithms, etc.);
• conduct theoretical studies to identify target EO use cases that could benefit from (hybrid) quantum computing solutions;
• design (novel) possible solutions based on quantum computing algorithms, in combination with HPC and AI, for the target EO use cases;
• familiarise yourself with various quantum computing hardware technologies and their trade-offs, and investigate the feasibility for the implementation of target (hybrid) quantum computing algorithms;
• potentially implement target quantum computing algorithms on quantum computing hardware;
• conduct benchmarking with other innovative computing paradigms (e.g. neuromorphic computing, photonics computing, etc.);
• support/lead ESA Φ-lab’s industrial R&D activities related to quantum computing.