ecological, digital and technological transitions, where students (about
5,000) and faculty confront the grand challenges of today and tomorrow.
JUNIA has over 120 faculty researchers, engineers, and technicians—as well
as nearly 100 PhD students and post-doctorate researchers—on 17 research
teams across our campuses. Several of the research teams contribute to
mixed research unit with the French National Center for Scientific Research
(CNRS) like IEMN (UMR8520).
As part of the Catholic University of Lille, JUNIA is also at the right
place to collaborate with laboratories of the University, especially the
ETHICS laboratory. ETHICS (EA 7446) is an accredited and multidisciplinary
research unit whose scientific object is defined by the ELSI (Ethical,
Legal and Social Implications) as well as philosophical questions and
aspects raised by the anthropological, technological, and socio-economic
mutations of the contemporary world.
*Subject Area*
The broad area of research is Discrete Optimization with quantum computers.
*Project description*
In this postdoc, the candidate will have to solve problems adapted to
quantum machines. The successful candidate will work under the supervision
of Samuel Deleplanque from the IEMN laboratory, Lille, France.
Today, many quantum machines are accessible for mathematicians and
informaticians since many machines or algorithms are taking Quadratic
Unconstrained Binary Optimization models (QUBO) as input. This is the case
for analog adiabatic D-Wave machines (e.g., Advantage, D-Wave 2000Q),
analog Pasqal machines and algorithms such as Quantum Approximate
Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) for gated based universal quantum computers
(e.g., IBM Osprey QPU). The focus will be on D-Wave machines.
The candidate will first consider general Combinatorial Optimization
problems (e.g., Max-Cut, Min-k-Cut, Max Clique, Minimum Vertex Coloring,
Maximum Independent Set and other types of problems, such as the NP-Hard
3Sat). For solving these problems on quantum machines, set of instances,
theoretical results such as problems reductions (e.g., 3SAT ≤p MIS) and
limits of machines (from the topology: the qubits graph and especially its
degree, e.g., Zephyr, Chimera, and Pegasus on D-Wave machines) have to be
taken into- account to propose the best way to solve the problem. The
selection of the problems to be solved will be made according to their
level of adaptation to quantum machines.
Second, the candidate will have to focus on a more applicable problem
related to logistics (vehicle scheduling (e.g., TSP, CVRP, etc.)) or
related to production and project scheduling (Lot-Sizing, RCPSP, Job-Shop
Scheduling, etc.). Her/his preference will be considered.
Third, a hybrid solution will have to be studied on the problem considered
earlier in a way to propose a quantum resolution where there is a
computational performance problem with classical computers. A heuristic
scheme based on a classical computer which will alternate native resolution
and quantum computer calls for solving a subproblem. Moreover, some aspects
of the postdoc can be proposed by the candidate. For example, optimization
problems linked to artificial intelligence, biology, or chemical research.
Finally, if time permits, the postdoc will study Hamiltonians simulation
(Hadfield (2018)[1]) to be used through discretized adiabatic algorithms
implemented for a gated based universal quantum computer. The goal is to
compare performance with analog machines and to study the potential large
scope of such methods.
*Original additional mission*
The candidate will collaborate with the "Ethics, Technology & Humanities"
(ETH+) team of the ETHICS laboratory, in the reflection on societal and
ethical issues raised by recent developments in quantum computing in
general. In this respect, the candidate is not expected to have a specific
competence in humanities and social sciences, but to be open and willing to
reflect with colleagues from other disciplines on the societal, ethical,
and philosophical issues raised by the rise of artificial intelligence and
quantum computing as emerging technologies. To this end, the candidate will
contribute with researchers from his or her JUNIA laboratory and
researchers from ETH+ (ETHICS), to the organization of a multidisciplinary
symposium on the scientific, societal, and ethical issues of quantum
computing. He or she will also participate with the ETH+ team in the
preparation and holding of two workshops bringing together scientists and
citizens on the theme of artificial intelligence, including quantum
computing. This project is part of a participatory science approach
supported by international research (nhnai.org) in progress.
*Requirements and eligibility criteria*
- The expected candidate must have strong Mathematical Programming skills
(MILP, especially with binary models) with a preference for quadratic
modeling (see Glover (2019)[2], Lucas (2014)[3]) and with experience in
constraint relaxation.
- Quantum algorithm knowledge is not requisite but valuable.
- Since the input of these machines generally propose an API implementable
with Python code, some abilities in this language are also expected. Some
C++ and/or RUST programming skills are a plus for a potential hybrid
quantum-classical computer solution.
- Curiosity in quantum technologies and generally in IT is very welcome.
- No specific competence in humanities and social sciences is expected, but
intellectual openness to interdisciplinary dialogue, curiosity, and
willingness to reflect on the societal aspects of quantum computing is
required.
*Working conditions / Hard facts*
Start of contract: September 1st, 2023
Type of contract: Fixed -term contract under public law – Social security
coverage
Duration of the contract: 24 months – Full time
Salary: depending on experience
Geographic location: Lille (France) - JUNIA campus
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