The Quantum Randomness Group of Markus Heinrich at the University of Cologne invites applications for a fully-funded PhD position (3 years, E13 TV-L, 75%), starting 1 December 2026.
The position is part of the European QuantERA consortium BATiR LE CHAT (Bosonic quAntum compuTeRs, LEarning, CHaracterization And Testing). The successful candidate will develop rigorous theoretical methods to benchmark and characterize bosonic quantum computers and to read out relevant information efficiently and robustly, with connections to classical shadows, random unitaries, classical simulation, and quantum error correction. The project is carried out with partners at INRIA Paris (U. Chabaud), RU Bochum (J. Haferkamp), QuSoft/CWI Amsterdam (J. Helsen, F. Witteveen), and Alice & Bob (C. Vuillot), including research visits and a longer research stay.
Requirements: a Master's degree with excellent marks in physics, computer science, mathematics, or a related field, ideally with a thesis in quantum information/computing; strong mathematical thinking; and a keen interest in quantum information theory. Prior knowledge of representation theory, randomized benchmarking, classical shadows, classical simulation, random unitaries, or bosonic systems is advantageous.
Further details: please consult quantum-randomness.com/joinus
Application deadline: 12 August 2026, via jobportal.uni-koeln.de under reference Wiss2607-06.
Related openings will also be available with our consortium partners across Europe.
