Opportunities
We will have two openings — a postdoctoral researcher and a PhD student — in quantum simulation and quantum information, with an intended start in fall 2026. Both sit at the interface of quantum information theory, many-body physics, quantum simulation, and quantum computing — translating ideas into protocols, algorithms, and collaborations with experimental partners at PSI and beyond.
Postdoctoral position — digital-analog quantum simulation and quantum many-body physics
The position concerns the theory of digital-analog quantum simulation — developing methods that extend the capabilities of programmable analog platforms using ideas from quantum computation, quantum algorithms, learning, and error mitigation. Possible directions include benchmarking quantum gates and gate primitives, developing quantum algorithms for many-body simulation, designing probing and learning protocols, and devising error-mitigation strategies for realistic digital-analog simulation experiments. The successful candidate will contribute to shaping the research direction and is encouraged to develop their own research profile within the project and beyond.
The position is part of a European collaboration with partner groups in Germany, France, and Spain, offering an active research network and opportunities to work with both theoretical and experimental partners, more information on this webpage. It is suited for candidates with a strong background in quantum many-body physics, quantum information theory, quantum simulation, quantum algorithms, or closely related areas; experience with analytical and numerical research is important, and programming experience is expected.
If you’re interested, please get in touch with:
your CV, including a publication list;
a brief statement of research interests (max. 1000 words), including how your background connects to the position and which scientific directions you would be interested in pursuing;
one or two representative publications or preprints, with a short description of your contributions.
PhD position — quantum simulation with hybrid qubit-boson devices
The PhD project will explore how chemically relevant quantum dynamics can be represented and simulated on emerging quantum hardware. Possible directions include hardware-aware encodings, digital-analog simulation schemes, and error analysis for realistic quantum simulation protocols. The student will be part of an interdisciplinary collaboration between PSI and ETH Zurich, bringing together perspectives from quantum information theory, quantum simulation, quantum optics, and quantum chemistry.
The position is suited for candidates with a background in theoretical physics or a closely related field, ideally with familiarity with quantum information and quantum optics, and a strong motivation to pursue a PhD.
If you’re interested, please get in touch with:
your CV (max. 2 pages);
a short statement (max. 500 words) on your motivation for a PhD in quantum simulation or quantum computing, including a scientific question you find particularly exciting;
transcripts of your Bachelor’s and Master’s records.
Getting in touch
For either position, please write to me at andreas.elben@psi.ch with any questions you might have. I’m happy to answer any questions and to share more details. For general information on working at PSI, see the PSI HR pages.