Research Assistant – Quantum computational advantage
Job Reference:Ref.16.25.443
Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)
Location: Braga, Portugal
Group/Unit: Galvão Research Group
Number of Vacancies: 1
Employment Type: Full time
Contract Duration:6 months
Open Date for Applications: March 17th, 2025
Closing Date for Applications:April 6th, 2025, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)
Keywords: #modelsofquantumcomputing #matchgates #fermioniclinearoptics
Overview
The Galvão Research Group at INL develops three main theoretical research lines: photonic quantum computation, foundations of quantum computation, and quantum software engineering. For more information on the group’s activities please check the website https://inl.int/research-groups/galvao-research-group/
SR&TD projectspecifications:INL participates intheKaleidosQope (PeX)funded by National Funds throughtheFoundation for Science and Technology (FCT):
(a)Name of the project:KaleidosQope (PeX)
(b)Reference number:2023.13603.PEX
(c)Description:The main idea of this project is to offer a more general and systematic account of contextuality as a resource and its ubiquitous connection to quantum advantage. The project will approach this through a novel perspective based on logic. This follows a tried-and tested blueprint that links theoretical foundations all the way through the effective reasoning tools. But though a well-trodden path in classical computer science, it remains underexplored in the quantum setting. The project will develop the basic theory of such contextual logics (in algebraic logic style) and will explore this perspective as a convenient tool to study the resource theory of contextuality and its connection to quantum informatic advantage. These ideas will be applied to concrete problems in articulation with photonic quantum computing company Quandela, whose commitment of time and funds to this project attests to its practical relevance and timeliness.
(d)Scientific Area:Computer and Information Sciences
Description of the functions and key primary responsibilities:
The successfulcandidatewillwork on thetasksof theSR&TD project, and will be responsible for investigate the onset of quantum universality by promoting of classically simulablesubtheories of quantum operations via additional resources, in particular the case of matchgatecompution/fermonic linear optics.
Specific Eligibility Conditions:
Candidates must meet the following conditions, as they are required by the nature of the duties the candidate will be required to perform:
- MSc in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physical Engineering, or related fields;
- Research experience in quantum computation, quantum information, and/or quantum foundations;
- Knowledge of quantum computing, including the basics of the circuit model and qudit stabiliser theory;
- Knowledge of algebraic formalism of fermionic linear optics will be highly valued.
The call describes the requirements in terms of qualifications and professional experience deemed appropriate for the position. If a candidate has additional qualifications and professional experience, they can only be recruited at the job category and profile specified.
Applications that do not meet these conditions will not be considered.
Supervision:The work plan will be developed at the INL underthe scientific guidance of Dr.Rui Soares Barbosa. The successful candidate will be integrated in the Galvão Research Group.
Selection Committee:
The selection of candidates will be carried out by a Selection Committee consisting of the following persons:
Dr.– Rui Soares Barbosa
Dr.– Ernesto Galvão
Dr.– Nadish de Silva
Catarina Gomes - Human Resources
Duration of the contract
The total duration of the employment contract shall be 6 months and may be renewed based on the performance of the individual. In any case the contract cannot exceed the duration of the project. The expected starting date is May 2025.
General Eligibility conditions, required qualifications and expertise:
Candidates must comply with the following requirements:
- Hold a MScDegree within the field of the selected vacancy;
- Be a Portuguese citizen, a European Union citizen, a non-European Union Citizen, or a stateless person with a scientific and professional curriculum that demonstrates an appropriate profile for the activity to be performed;
- Fluency in English is required.
How to Apply
Theapplicationmust bein Englishandinclude thefollowingmandatorydocuments:
a)Cover letter;
b)Curriculum Vitae;
c)Academicand/or Professionaldiplomas;
d)At least one recommendation letter;
e)Recognition of academic degrees(only academic degreesawarded bynon-Portuguesehigher education institutions)*.
*The selected candidate(s)with an academic degreegranted by a non-Portuguesehighereducation institution mustpresent,for hiring purposes, the certificate of recognition of thatdegree(s), issued by thePortuguese Directorate General for Higher Education or by a Portuguese Public Higher EducationInstitution.Pleaseconsult the website of the Portuguese Directorate General for Higher Education:https://www.dges.gov.pt/en.
Online application instructions:
- The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button below;
- The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;
- The candidate must submit the mandatorydocumentsmentioned aboveinpdf format by including them in the “Additional files” section using the “Add portfolio” button.
Important note:
Incomplete applications including thefailure to provide mandatory documents or providing inaccurate information will result in the application not being considered.
How theSelection Processworks
A. Applications eligibility check
This stage will be carried outon the basis of the mandatoryrequirements, education, experience and technical skills defined for the job, as well as the validation of the mandatory documents.Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria willmove forward tothe next stage.
B. CV Assessment
The Selection Committeewill evaluate the eligible applicationsbased on their CV and other submitted documents and the suitability for the position, and shall focus on the relevance, quality and up-to-date of the following items:
- Scientific and Technological Production (‘STP’);
- Applied and Practice-based Research Activities (‘RA’);
- Activitiesrelated to the Dissemination of Knowledge (‘DK’);
- Activities related to the Management of Science, Technology and Innovationprogrammes(‘MSTI’).
The research experience will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- STP (65%):Academic Qualifications (AQ) – 25%;Scientific Profile (SP)– 25%; Research Quality (RQ) – 10%; RTI Funding(RF) –5%;
- RA (15%):Development, operation and maintenance of scientificfacilities “instrumentation and/or equipment”(DOM) – 2%; Conferences, symposia and scientific cooperation activities(CSS) - 3%; Professional activities(PA) – 5%; Mobility and Interdisciplinarity (MI) – 5%;
- DK (5%):Transfer to other areas of society (TS) – 3%; Promotion of the public understanding of science (PPUS) – 2%;
- MSTI (5%):Laboratory facilities and equipments (LFE) – 5%.
This criteria will have a total valuation of 90%. The minimum threshold for this stage is60%.
The top four ranked candidates will be shortlisted for interview, provided however that they pass the threshold mentioned above.
C. Interview(s)
The interview(s) may be donein different formats:videorecording,online or onsite.
The question based interview willevaluate the match between thecandidate’s profile and the requirements for the position, including the technicaland personal skills.To better support this stage, the candidate may be requested to prepare a short presentation.
This criterion will have a total valuation of 10%.
D. Assessment
The Selection Committee will draw up the minutes of the R&S process in which candidates will be ranked according to their evaluation scores.
E. Nomination
The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions.
Our Benefits
- Competitive salary;
- Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges;
- Private health insurance;
- Family allowances (according to family situation);
- Free nursery service at INL premises(subject to availability);
- Support for education fees of dependent children;
- Relocation support;
- 30 working days of annual leave.
Financial Benefits
INL offers an attractive financial package appropriate to an international research organization. Due to INL special legal status as intergovernmental organization, financial benefits are exempt for national income tax. Apart from the salary, INL may offer, depending on the personal situation, additional allowances and benefits for families and non-residents.
Additional Information
Applicable legal and regulatory framework, taking into consideration the international status of theOrganisation
The contract will be subject to the INL’s Staff Rules, as amended from time to time, as well as to all other relevant instructions issued by theOrganisation. For this purpose, a copy of the Staff Rules shall be provided. The contract may also be supplemented by the terms and conditions of the Financing Contract between theOrganisationand the FCT governing the implementation of the FCT Project.
Disputes between theOrganisationand the Employed Member of the Personnel shall be settled in accordance with the INL´s Staff Rules.
Notification of results
Each candidate notified via email of the result of their individual application. If the first candidate refuses the offer, the Human Resources will send an offer to the second candidate on the ranking, and so on until the vacancy is filled.
We highly value the interest shown from applicants wishing to become a part of the INL experience. It is important for us to maintain good communications with candidates. No matter the outcome of the application, we always send the applicant an answer.
Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle
INL followsa non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt of and duties based on any possible discriminatory issues.
The advertisement deadline may be extended at any time without previous notice in order to improve the suitability and effectiveness of the recruitment process.
About INL
The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – INL (http://www.inl.int), is the first and only Intergovernmental Organisation in the world entirely focused on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
It was founded under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research, deploy and communicate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to be a recognised leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.
