Doctoral Researcher in Quantum Computing and Algorithms, Aalto University, Finland

Summary

Aalto University is seeking a Doctoral Researcher (PhD Candidate) to join the Micro and Quantum Systems (MQS) research group in the Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering. The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of quantum algorithms, computational biology, genomics, and materials science, working with real quantum hardware (including VTT’s Q50 and Aalto’s Q20 systems).

Doctoral Researcher in Quantum Computing and Algorithms for Life Science Applications

Designation

Doctoral Researcher (PhD Student)

Quick Overview

Research Area

• Primary Fields: Quantum Computing, Quantum Algorithms, Quantum Information Science.
• Application Domains: Bioinformatics, Genomics, Biomaterial Synthesis, Cellulose-processing Enzyme Design, and Computational Materials Science.
• Topics of Interest: Theory & application of quantum walk algorithms, variational quantum algorithms (VQA), adiabatic quantum computation, hybrid quantum-classical algorithms (NISQ-era & fault-tolerant), and quantum machine learning (QML).

Location

• Campus: Otaniemi Campus, Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland (Hybrid work model available).

Eligibility & Qualifications

Applicants are expected to meet the following criteria:

• Degree: Master’s degree (or equivalent) with an excellent academic record in theoretical physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field.
• Interests: Keen interest and motivation in quantum computing and quantum algorithm development.
• Language Skills: Professional working proficiency in English (Finnish language skills are not required).
• Desirable Assets: Familiarity with quantum computing frameworks/theory, computational biology/materials modeling, and prior teaching experience.

Scholarship & Position Description

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct high-impact doctoral research focused on hybrid quantum-classical and medium- to long-term quantum algorithms.
• Benchmark quantum algorithms against classical state-of-the-art baselines for expressivity, training stability, and scalability.
• Publish findings in top-tier international scientific journals.
• Complete doctoral coursework and actively engage in departmental teaching/mentoring activities.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: Starting gross salary of approximately €3,100 per month, following Aalto University’s salary scale for doctoral researchers.
• Hardware & Ecosystem Access: Direct access to on-site quantum hardware (such as VTT’s Q50 and Aalto’s Q20 system), commercial quantum cloud platforms, and the national quantum ecosystem via InstituteQ.
• Work Environment: Inclusive, multidisciplinary research environment with comprehensive onboarding and career support in Finland.

How to Apply

1. Application Portal: Applications must be submitted online via the official Aalto Workday Recruitment Site (click the “Apply” / “Apply now!” button on the posting page). Applications sent via email are not accepted.
2. File Requirements: Upload all documents in PDF format (up to 5 files, maximum 5 MB per file).
3. Required Documents:
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   • Official transcript of study records
   • Motivation letter
   • Letters of recommendation (maximum 2, if available)

Note: Aalto University employees must apply through internal Workday. External students/visitors should use a personal (non-Aalto) email address.

Last Date for Apply

• August 31, 2026 (Early applications are strongly encouraged, as interviews may begin during the application period).

Link