Candidates are welcome to send their CV to Ebler.Daniel@huawei.com

Position:

Researcher / Senior Researcher

Location:

Science Park, Hong Kong

Field of Research:

Physical and dynamical systems for the optimization of combinatorial problems

Introduction to the field

Quantum- and physics-inspired optimization has attracted lots of attention in recent years, as fundamentally novel paradigms towards solving large-scale combinatorial problems. The underlying principle is to encode a given problem into the natural dynamics of physical systems, and to achieve potentially stronger convergence and higher precision through careful external control. Physics-inspired optimization algorithms, such as coherent Ising machines and simulated bifurcation, mimic the dynamical properties of physical systems on conventional hardware – with the goal to inherit certain features, such as natural convergence towards low-energetic states. At Huawei, we investigate a wide range of topics related to quantum- and physics-inspired optimization, from the most fundamental mathematical structures, deep understanding of physical models, to high-performance implementation of novel optimization architectures.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop and conduct novel lines of research related to the interdisciplinary field of physics-inspired optimization;
• Publish findings in top-level peer-reviewed journals;
• Establish collaborations with internationally leading institutions/groups.

Qualifications:

Candidates are expected to

• Hold (or to be close to completion to) a PhD in physics, applied mathematics, computer science, or other closely related fields;
• Have excellent knowledge (preferably with publication record) in one or more of the following (or related) areas:
  • Dynamical systems
  • Quantum computation or quantum optimization algorithms (annealing, variational eigensolvers, etc.)
  • Manifold optimization or information geometry
  • Machine learning (e.g. graph / recurrent neural nets) for combinatorial optimization
  • Statistical physics (in particular spin-glass systems)
  • (Quantum) thermodynamics
• Work with a strong sense for collaborations, both with groups within Huawei Research and externally with leading experts in the field.

About:

Huawei Hong Kong Research Centre (HKRC), established in 2012, embodies Theory Lab and Noah’s Ark. While Noah’s Ark is oriented towards applied research and implementations, Theory Lab hosts a selection of interdisciplinary groups pushing the boundaries of foundational research. The experts in Theory lab have diverse scientific backgrounds, ranging from engineering to computer science, mathematics and physics.

The quantum computing team was established in August 2020 and is led by Dr. Daniel Ebler. The quantum computing team is part of the research division of Dr. Jie Sun, which is the most theoretical among the Lab. While the internal structure and functioning is strongly motivated by academia, Dr. Sun’s division focuses on deep fundamental questions of applied mathematics and physics.

Benefits:

HKRC offers generous compensations, health insurance and visa sponsorship. This position is open-ended.

Environment:

Theory Lab is located in Science Park, around 30 minutes away from the city center by public transport. The offices offer sea and mountain view, and are in walking distance to numerous hiking trails and cycling tracks.