Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Algorithms and Optimization for Life Sciences

About the role

Aalto University's Micro and Quantum Systems (MQS) research group in the Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering is looking for a postdoctoral researcher in quantum algorithms and optimization for life science applications. The position suits researchers within two years of finishing their PhD and sits at the intersection of quantum computing, computational biology, genomics and materials science. The contract is two years, extendable by one year.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct research in quantum algorithms and quantum information, taking an active role in the MQS group's projects
• Develop hybrid quantum-classical algorithms for near-term (NISQ-era) deployment, evaluating them for expressivity, training stability, scalability and resource use, and benchmarking them against classical baselines
• Explore medium- to long-term quantum algorithms to assess quantum readiness
• Produce high-quality research published in high-impact journals
• Supervise PhD students and take part in the research group's teaching activities

Required profile

• PhD in theoretical physics, mathematics, computer science or another relevant field, awarded no more than two years before the application deadline
• Solid background in quantum computing and quantum algorithms
• Demonstrated ability to carry out independent and collaborative research on advanced topics
• Working proficiency in English (Finnish not required)
• Familiarity with bioinformatics, computational biology or materials science is an advantage; teaching or supervision experience is also valued

Required skills

• Programming skills (e.g. Python)
• Numerical simulations or quantum software frameworks such as Qiskit and PennyLane

What we offer

• Fixed-term two-year contract, with possible one-year extension depending on funding and progress
• Salary of approximately 4,200 EUR per month
• Access to real quantum hardware (VTT's Q50 and Aalto's Q20) and other commercial quantum platforms
• Hybrid work, with the primary workplace in Otaniemi, Espoo
• Professional development opportunities and a supportive, international research community

Applications are submitted online through the university's recruitment site by November 30, 2026, with a CV, motivation letter and recommendation letters (up to two).