Postdoc in the mathematics of quantum computation in Vancouver, Canada

Job type: 

Application deadline: 

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral fellowship in the mathematical foundations of quantum computation at Simon Fraser University, near Vancouver, BC, Canada. The position is hosted by the Department of Mathematics and is supervised by Prof. Nadish de Silva.

The selected candidate will work on foundational questions of quantum computation such as: precisely how, and for which class of problems, is quantum advantage achieved? These questions will be studied using a mathematical methodology. The position is thus open to a researcher in quantum computation with strong mathematical abilities or to a mathematical researcher interested in quantum computation.

Within quantum computation, the topics covered will include: fault-tolerant quantum computation, classical simulation algorithms of quantum circuits, and nonlocality/contextuality. Mathematical techniques will potentially be drawn from abstract algebra, functional analysis, representation theory, number theory, and logic. (Experience in all these topics is not a prerequisite for applying.)

Fellows will benefit from integration into an interdisciplinary team of Canada-wide and international scientists: UBC (Raussendorf), Ottawa (Broadbent), Waterloo (Yard), SFU (de Silva), INL Portugal (Galvão, Barbosa), UCL (Abramsky), Stockholm (Bengtsson), Granada (Bermejo-Vega), Sevilla (Cabello), Bilkent (Okay).

The positions offer a highly competitive salary and travel budget. Teaching is not required. We strive to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in all our activities.

NB: a second postdoctoral position supervised by Prof. Anne Broadbent at the University of Ottawa is also currently open. Please see https://www.sfu.ca/~ndesilva/postdoc/ for further information.

Requirements: PhD in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science (or a related area) and interest in developing further insights for applications to quantum information.

Target start date: January 1, 2023 or earlier
Duration: 3 years, renewable yearly
Applications are considered on a continuous basis until the position is filled.

Application should include the following:
Cover letter, indicating interest in specific position(s)
CV (please mention career breaks and any special circumstances)
At least two (2) letters of reference

Applications should be made via the MathJobs page: https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/list/20538

Questions about this position can be addressed to:
Prof. Nadish de Silva (nadish_de_silva@sfu.ca)