Two Assistant Professor Positions in Quantum Computing based Quantum Chemistry

The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy at SDU invites applications for two positions as Assistant Professors in quantum computing based quantum chemistry. The positions are to be filled by 1 June 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. Each position is for 3 years. 

The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is one of four departments at the Faculty of Science, located at the main campus of SDU in Odense. The department is responsible for the educations in chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and physics, as well as the bachelor’s education in pharmacy. The assistant professors will be part of the Section for Chemistry and Pharmacy.

The two positions are part of the Novo Nordisk Foundation funded project “Hybrid Quantum Chemistry on Hybrid Quantum Computers”. The assistant professors are expected to perform research within the framework of this project. 

https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/news/new-research-project-will-develop-tools-to-enable-quantum-computers-to-calculate-molecular-properties/

Project
The assistant professors will conduct research in quantum computing-based quantum chemistry, focusing on advancing methods for noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices. This includes developing, implementing, and validating algorithmic and error-mitigation strategies to address key challenges in applying quantum computing to strongly correlated molecular systems. The goal of this project is to harness quantum computing for the calculation of molecular properties that classical methods cannot efficiently solve.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Conduct and lead independent research in quantum computing-based quantum chemistry, contributing to the advancement of electronic structure methods and hybrid quantum-classical approaches. 
• Teach in our educational programs within the subjects of quantum chemistry, chemical modeling and related areas. 
• Obtain or contribute to obtaining external funding for research and collaborative research programs.
• Communicate research findings through high-impact publications, conference presentations, and outreach activities.
• Contribute to the supervision and training of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate students.

The ideal candidate:
We seek motivated candidates with a PhD degree in Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, or a closely related field. The successful candidate should have a strong background in quantum chemistry method development combined with quantum computing, with a demonstrated track record of research excellence in this area. Experience with quantum algorithms for electronic structure calculations, hybrid quantum-classical methods, or related computational techniques is highly desirable.

Experience with quantum computing programming frameworks and high-performance computing for quantum chemistry applications is an advantage. The ideal candidate is expected to establish an independent research program, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and actively contribute to the development of the Hybrid Quantum Chemistry on Hybrid Quantum Computers project. Prior experience in securing research funding or involvement in collaborative grant applications will be considered a plus.

In addition to research, the candidate should have a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring. Good communication and collaboration skills, as well as the ability to engage with both academic and industrial partners, will be key to success in this role.

The research environment:
The assistant professors will be part of the HQC2 research environment, a collaborative scientific initiative spanning three leading Danish universities. HQC2 brings together experts in quantum chemistry, quantum computing, and computational chemistry, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to tackling some of the most pressing challenges in the field. The research environment provides a vibrant and dynamic setting for innovative thinking, offering access to state-of-the-art computational facilities, cutting-edge quantum computing resources, and a diverse network of international collaborators. This unique structure allows for cross-institutional collaboration, enabling the assistant professor to engage in a broad range of research activities and contribute to the development of novel methodologies and technologies in quantum computing for chemistry.

The deadline for applications: 18. Marts 2025.

Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk