Information about the project
This project is part of QuantumStack, a 5-year project funded by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research, with the aim of developing a full software stack for programming quantum computers. The project is integrated with the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT), a 12-year, billion-SEK initiative started in 2018 with the purpose of advancing Swedish academia and industry to the forefront of quantum technology, and to build a Swedish quantum computer. Our ambitious goal at Chalmers is to build this quantum computer with 100 superconducting qubits and to apply it to real computational problems that cannot be efficiently solved on a conventional computer. Such computationally hard problems are found, e.g., in optimization, quantum chemistry, materials science, machine learning, etc.

So far there has been a separation between the theory of quantum computing as studied by Computer Scientists and mathematicians, and the work that physicists have been doing on the quantum computers that exist today. We want to create a compilation stack that will bridge this gap, and we want to use the techniques of type theory and formal logic to ensure that the stack is sound.

We are now seeking a PhD student to create formal semantics for the languages involved in the compilation stack, develop tools for verifying that each stage in the compilation stack is sound, and develop domain-specific languages (DSLs) for the stages of the compilation stack including the control pulses that are fed to the qubits.

This work is both important practically, and a fascinating theoretical challenge - to find the correct logic(s) and type theory for describing and reasoning about quantum algorithms - which may itself give insight into the physical universe. You will also have the opportunity to see the results applied to real quantum computers as the project proceeds.

This project is funded by SSF (https://strategiska.se/en/) under their call for "Future Software Systems".

The division of Computing Science pursues research and education that advances the design of secure and trustworthy software and systems, from theoretical foundations, and up through the design and implementation of programming languages and tools. The focus of the Logic and Types group within the division is on dependent type theory, and is best known for the development of well-known proof assistants, including the Agda system.

Major responsibilities
The main responsibilities of a PhD student at Chalmers consist in pursuing doctoral studies by conducting research within your project, in collaboration and independently, leading to results that you will publish in journals and present at meeting and conferences.

Your studies also include coursework in your field and common core courses on generic and transferable skills. The position generally also includes teaching on the undergraduate level or other duties corresponding to up to 20 per cent of working hours.

Qualifications
Required qualifications:
*MSc in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or equivalent
*Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English

Desired qualifications: One or more of
* Ability to program in functional languages such as Haskell or ML
* Experience with quantum computing
* Experience with type theory
* Experience with proof assistants such as Coq or Agda

We value a collaborative attitude and an interest in working both in teams and independently. Self-motivation, attention to detail, and a problem-solving analytical ability are important personal qualities for this position.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20220330 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)

1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Application deadline: 31st August, 2022

For questions, please contact: 
Associate Professor Robin Adams, Computing Science at CSE
E-mail: robinad@chalmers.se, +46 31-772 6348

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***


Information about the department
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering is a joint department at Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg, with activities on two campuses in the city of Gothenburg. The department has around 270 employees from over 30 countries. Our research has a wide span, from theoretical foundations to applied systems development. We provide high quality education at Bachelor's, Master's and graduate levels, offering over 120 courses each year. We also have extensive national and international collaborations with academia, industry and society.

Our aim is to actively improve our gender balance in both our department and division. We therefore strongly encourage female applicants for our positions. As an employee at Chalmers and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, you are given the opportunity to contribute to our active work within the field of equality and diversity.

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!
 

 

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