Professor or associate/assistant professor, Quantum algorithms

The University of Helsinki (UH) is among the leading multidisciplinary research universities in the world. The University of Helsinki has 11 faculties and several independent institutes, some of which are jointly operated with other universities. Some 35,000 students are currently pursuing an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree at the University of Helsinki.

In terms of the number of students and teachers, the Faculty of Science at the University of Helsinki is the largest science faculty in Finland. There are about 6,000 students, out of which some 2,000 are postgraduates. There are currently roughly 500 international students, and over 200 researchers and teachers from abroad. The Department of Physics is a large and multidisciplinary department in the Faculty of Science offering the most varied university programme in the physical sciences in Finland. Currently, the department employs about 200 people, including 2 academy professors, 23 professors, 4 assistant or associate professors and 29 university lecturers or university researchers. The Department consists of the Division of Materials Physics and the Division of Particle Physics and Astrophysics.

The UH Faculty of Science is an equal opportunities workplace committed to advancing wellbeing and diversity in science and education. We encourage applications from qualified candidates irrespective of their cultural and linguistic background. We support the compatibility of work and family-life and promote gender equality in science and have an active wellbeing group. We offer comprehensive preventive occupational health services and general medical care. In addition, all staff are covered by the University of Helsinki's employee travel insurance and occupational accident insurance. Finland is a very family-friendly country with generous parental leaves, very affordable state-subsidized daycare that is available for all children, as well as world-renowned free primary and secondary education as well as public healthcare. See, e.g., https://welcome.helsinki.

The Department of Physics at the Faculty of Science of the University of Helsinki invites applications for a

 

PROFESSOR OR ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN QUANTUM ALGORITHMS  

The aim of the position is to strengthen, expand and complement the current quantum science and technology profile at the University of Helsinki, creating added value in the form of new high-profile research lines, as well as fostering connections to the Finnish Center of Excellence in Quantum Technologies, InstituteQ, and the recently founded Finnish Quantum Flagship.

Expectations and qualifications assessment

To be successful in the position, the candidate must have an internationally recognized track record in the theory of quantum computing and algorithms, particularly in techniques enabling the utilization of near-term quantum devices and computers. In addition, advanced knowledge of quantum information theory and quantum physics is essential. We consider as a key requirement a strong background/experience in one or more of the following areas: variational quantum algorithms, quantum optimization, quantum simulation, sampling algorithms, gate decomposition and compilers, quantum walks, and development of new methods for error mitigation.

An Assistant/Associate Professor in the tenure track shall hold a doctoral degree have the ability to conduct independent scientific research, have the teaching skills necessary for the position, and have the ability and motivation for an academic career. A professor must hold a doctoral degree and have high-level academic qualifications as well as experience in leadership in scientific research.

 The successful candidate is expected to conduct an outstanding independent research program, direct and participate in collaborative networks and projects, supervise students and post-doctoral researchers, to make use of national and international research funding opportunities, participate in education at all levels at the Department, and promote the interaction between academia and society.

The teaching portfolio of the appointee will be within the UH's Bachelor Programme in Physical Sciences and/or the multidisciplinary English-language Bachelor Programme in Science, as well as the Masters' Programme in Theoretical and Computational Methods. The successful candidate will likely contribute also to the teaching in other sciences-related degree programmes. The candidate is expected to contribute to the development of coherent quantum science study tracks with particular focus in developing a Master's courses in quantum algorithms for near-term quantum computers, and in advanced quantum technologies.

When assessing the qualifications of each candidate, attention will be paid to scientific achievements and merits in teaching and training. Assessment of the former is based on scientific publications and other research results of scientific value, candidate's activities within the research community, success in obtaining research funding, international mobility, academic leadership, outreach activities, and the breadth of research topics in quantum computing. As to teaching and training, attention will be paid to teaching experience and pedagogical training, the ability to develop courses and produce teaching materials, participation in doctoral education, and other possible teaching merits.

Why University of Helsinki

The University will offer the appointee an attractive career opportunity in top-level research and research-based teaching, possibilities for international collaboration, and if first appointed as an assistant/associate professor, prerequisites to grow into full professorship. In addition to the funding possibilities offered by the national funding agencies, the Faculty of Science opens calls on a yearly basis for infrastructure funding, and the faculty offers expert assistance in the preparation of international funding applications. The selected person will also get a startup package of about 160 000 EUR.

Annual gross salary for an assistant/associate professor amounts to 57,000 - 74,000 euros and for full professor to 75,000 - 90,000 euros.

How to apply

Applications must have the following enclosures as a one single pdf file (in English):

1. an academic portfolio approved by the Faculty
2. a list of those publications and other relevant documents on competence and merits that the applicant wishes to be taken into account in the selection process.

On the Faculty's request, short-listed applicants should prepare to submit up to 10 publications of their choice to be sent to assessors after the application period. The publications shall be submitted to the University of Helsinki Recruitment System upon request of the Faculty.

Please submit your application as pdf document by using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System. The deadline for applications is 11th April 2024.

For more information, please contact:

• The position and operational environment: Head of Department, Professor Simo Huotari, simo.huotari(at)helsinki.fi.
• The recruitment process and tenure track model: HR Specialist Laura Karppinen, laura.karppinen(at)helsinki.fi