Quantum computing devices are rapidly increasing in scale and complexity. However they are still very far away from the abstract ideal of a computer, and an important part of making them better is designing procedures that characterize errors and noise in an efficient and robust. Do you enjoy working at the intersection between physics and computer science? Are you comfortable with mathematical work and interested in applying those skills in a practical setting? Then CWI invites you to apply for a PhD position where you will research testing and learning algorithms for fault-tolerant quantum computers in the context of the EQUATE ERC starting grant project, supervised by Dr. Jonas Helsen.
Job description
As part of your PhD project, you will develop and mathematically analyze new methods for extracting information from quantum computers, with a focus on testing and learning algorithms and their interactions with quantum error correction.
Possible research directions include (but are not limited to):
-Testing and learning under resource restrictions (specifically the “low-magic” setting)
-Testing and learning of QEC relevant properties such as membership of the Clifford hierarchy
-The interaction of (logical) noise with learning algorithms
You will:
- Research fault-tolerant quantum computing, developing new testing and learning algorithms and analyzing their properties.
- Work with colleagues on translating these theoretical algorithms to a more practical setting, perhaps even all the way down to real experiments.
- Publish and present your work in international conferences and journals.
- Be an active part of the local research groups at CWI and QuSoft.
Requirements
- Candidates are required to have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related subject.
- Preferable qualifications for candidates include proven research talent, an excellent command of English and good academic writing and presentation skills.
- Furthermore, we ask for previously demonstrated interest in quantum computing, in the form of coursework, projects, or academic publications and a high motivation in pursuing academic research.
Terms and conditions
The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres ("CAO-onderzoeksinstellingen"). The initial labour agreement will be for a period of 18 months. After a positive evaluation, the agreement will be extended by 30 months. The gross monthly salary, for a PhD student on a full time basis, is € 3,115 during the first year and increases to €3,989 over the four year period. Employees are also entitled to a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.33%. CWI offers attractive working conditions, including flexible scheduling and help with housing for expat employees.
Please visit the CWI website for more information about our terms of employment’, or go to the working pages of the NWO website
Information and application
All applications should include a detailed resume, motivation letter, list of your MSc courses and grades, copy of your Master’s thesis and preferably a list of publications and two references.
The deadline for the application is 10 December 2026. Evaluation of candidates will begin immediately, and will continue until the position is filled. We aim to start the project on the 1st of March 2027, however starting dates can be negotiated.
For more information about the vacancy, please contact Dr. Jonas Helsen, email: jonas@cwi.nl.
Diversity code
CWI strives to be a diverse and inclusive research institute. To achieve balanced representation in positions, we have been investing in a diverse and inclusive organization already since 2010, among others by prioritizing applications from women researchers. This approach has recently led to hiring a majority of women in Tenure Track positions.
CWI encourages a diverse workforce: we endeavour to develop talent and creativity by bringing people from different backgrounds and cultures together. We strongly encourage candidates with the appropriate qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, origin, sexual orientation or physical abilities.
About CWI
Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) is the Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science and is part of the Institutes Organisation of the Dutch Research Council (NWO). The mission of CWI is to conduct pioneering research in mathematics and computer science, generating new knowledge in these fields and conveying it to trade, industry, and society at large.
CWI is an internationally oriented institute, with 160 scientists from approximately 27 countries, an informal atmosphere and short lines of communication. We have an activity committee that organizes after-work activities and among others a women’s network.
CWI is located at Science Park Amsterdam, which is a major location of research in the physical sciences in The Netherlands, housing the sciences of the University of Amsterdam as well as several other national research institutes next to CWI.
About Research group
QuSoft is the Dutch research Center for Quantum Software that was launched in 2015. Its mission is to develop new communication protocols, algorithms, and applications for small and medium-sized prototypes as well as larger quantum computers. The researchers at QuSoft develop software and applications that exploit the extraordinary power of quantum computers based on their quantum mechanical properties such as superposition, interference and entanglement. To find more information about QuSoft and the Algorithms and Complexity group, please visit their webpages and watch their video. https://www.cwi.nl/research/groups/algorithms-and-complexity http://www.qusoft.org/
