You are expected to conduct original and fundamental research at the intersection of Quantum Computing, Statistical Physics, Atomistic Modelling, Machine Learning and Bayesian Optimization methods.

Designing and modelling novel molecules and materials with tailored properties requires exploring prohibitively vast combinations of elemental compositions and configurations. This project focuses on implementing combined Quantum and Classical Computing pipelines to accelerate atomistic simulations and optimize molecular and material properties. You will have a unique chance to put your expertise and creativity into practice, and you will be surrounded and supported by a rich environment with experts in Quantum Computing, Minimally Complex Models, Atomistic Modelling, etc.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• conducting independent research in quantum Bayesian optimization and its applications to molecules and materials, resulting in academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals, presentations at national and international conferences, etc.;
• contributing to internal seminars, symposia, and similar knowledge transfer activities, as well as their organization at the different affiliations related to the position.
• actively collaborating within the MMD technology hub, and with the Computational Chemistry group at HIMS, the Computational Science Lab at IvI, and experimental groups at HIMS and IoP.

You will also be provided with opportunities to be involved in:

• supervising Bachelor and Master theses in varied disciplines;
• contributing to research schools, teaching efforts, tutorials, guest lectures, etc.

You are a resilient, creative researcher with strong technical knowledge. You feel comfortable working on unexplored topics with limited literature. You enjoy working across disciplines and you communicate well with diverse teams. You value and balance both independence and collaboration.

Your experience and profile 

• PhD in Quantum Computing, Computational Chemistry/Physics, Machine Learning, Statistical Inference or affine fields;
• committed researcher, demonstrated by publications in international refereed academic journals and academic publishers;
• readiness to participate in interdisciplinary cooperation;
• professional command of English

It is a preference if you have experience in two or more of the following fields: Quantum Computing, Machine Learning, Statistical Inference, Atomistic Modelling.

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 18 months {with a probationary period of two months}. The preferred starting date is as soon as possible.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between €3,706 to € 5,760 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher 4 is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Curious about our extensive secondary benefits package? You can read more about it here.