Quantum Computing Applied to Industrial Optimization Problems
Background
SINTEF Digital is searching for a dedicated candidate to join its
Department of Mathematics and Cybernetics as PhD student working on
applying quantum algorithms to solve challenging optimization problems
taken from industry applications.
Quantum computers represent a paradigm change in computing and offer
the potential to solve problems that are intractable on classical
computers. How powerful quantum computers one can build is limited by
errors caused by noise and decoherence. Through clever algorithm
design, it has been demonstrated that current quantum devices can be
used to solve many high-impact problems, but experts still debate
whether these can be used to solve practically relevant problems.
SINTEF Digital has for the past four years conducted strategic
research to start investigating potential industry applications of
quantum computing. In 2020, we formed the Gemini Center on Quantum
Computing to focus our efforts towards making Norway "quantum ready".
The center gathers a strong interdisciplinary, cross-institutional
team of researchers from University of Oslo, NTNU and SINTEF to
promote quantum technology, establish contact with internationally
leading expert groups, as well as to work together with industrial
partners. Since 2021, Simula Research Laboratory has also been an
associate partner. Our activities also contain a strong educational
component in the form of supervision of master and PhD students, as
well as summer interns.
Job description
The scholarship is part of NeQst, a technology-convergence project
funded by the Research Council of Norway and led by the Department of
Mathematics and Cybernetics at SINTEF Digital. Members of the research
team come from the Energy Systems department at SINTEF, the Department
of Optimization at Fraunhofer, the Institute of Computer Science at
the University of Tartu, as well as the Department of Physics at the
University of Oslo. High commercial relevance is ensured by in-depth
involvement from DNB Bank ASA, Equinor ASA, Kongsberg Maritime AS, and
Statkraft Energi AS. NeQst aims to perform exploratory research on how
one can use near-term quantum computers to solve challenging
optimization problems in a business setting, exemplified by a series
of high-impact problems suggested by the industry partners.
The candidate will work on industry use-cases, variational quantum
algorithms, circuit compilation and transpilation, as well as quantum
error mitigation techniques. Domain expertise in one or more of the
following areas is an advantage, but not necessary: operations
research, portfolio management, logistics and supply, and
optimization.
Being part of the Gemini Center, the PhD student will be connected to
other ongoing projects within quantum computing; we mention in
particular the Qombine project, a large-scale interdisciplinary
research project at the University of Oslo. The student is expected to
enroll in a formal PhD program at the University of Oslo and conduct
the required coursework in selected topics from the university's large
portfolio of mathematics, computer science, and physics courses.
We offer
The successful candidate will be employed at SINTEF Digital in a
full-time (100%), 3-year, temporary position with start date in the
beginning of 2023 and end date in the beginning of 2026.
Qualification requirements
The applicant must satisfy the requirements for entering the PhD
program at UiO: see https://www.uio.no/english/research/phd/. Master
students who expect to finish their studies within the beginning of
2023 are encouraged to apply. Employment will then be postponed until
the master's degree is finished.
General information
A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage
qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional
capacity, or cultural background.
Questions about the position can be directed to Franz G. Fuchs
(franz.fuchs@sintef.no).
About the application
The application must include the following
• A CV that includes information about education background and
work experience
• Certified copies of relevant transcripts and diplomas.
• A short research statement explaining the experience and the
interest of the candidate for the research topic and describing the
relevance of the candidate's background to the research project
(max 1 page)
• A copy of the master thesis.
• Any relevant publications.
• Contact information for two references.
https://www.sintef.no/vi-soker-neste-generasjon-problemlosere/ledige-stillinger/stilling/145214/
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