Research Associate (Quantum Chemistry, One Year Term)

Date Posted: 08/21/2024
Req ID:39406
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Dept of Chemistry
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto invites applications for a Research Associate (Limited Term) for a one-year appointment. The anticipated start date is 22 July 2025.

The Aspuru-Guzik group (https://matter.toronto.edu) is one of the pioneering groups of quantum computing algorithm research. The Candidate will work with the PIs and a theoretical team of trainees to lead the design, development and analysis of novel quantum algorithms for solving complex problems in simulating quantum systems and linear algebra, focusing on practical applications. The Candidate is expected to have significant experience in conducting research or technical activities dealing with the theory of computation, classical and quantum computational complexity, and advanced quantum algorithmic techniques with demonstrated research experience in these areas.

Link to the lab: https://matter.toronto.edu

Duties:

The candidate will be responsible for the conceptualization, execution, communication, and dissemination of research in service of the research projects described above and as directed by Prof. Aspuru-Guzik. The successful candidate is required to: 

• Lead and participate in designing, developing, and analyzing novel quantum algorithms for quantum chemistry, partial differential equations, Hamiltonian simulation, and quantum linear algebra problems.
• Research and explore new approaches in quantum computation and quantum software development and adapt the procedures accordingly.
• Collaborate with a cross-functional team to analyze and optimize quantum algorithms, focusing on improving their performance for various applications.
• Liaising with collaborators and assisting in the compilation, analysis and reporting of research findings to researchers within and outside of the group.
• Preparing manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed publications/journals.
• Presenting findings at local, national and international conferences.
• Assisting with research proposals to be submitted to granting agencies and progress reporting and participating in research supervision of two or more students or other trainees. 

At all times, the individual will be expected to support the overall research and teaching missions of the Aspuru-Guzik group.

Applicants should apply online at the link below and include a cover letter, a research statement, curriculum vitae, three (3) best papers (in PDF format) describing their role in any joint work, along with contact details for coauthors and three (3) reference names with their contact addresses and phone numbers. Any questions regarding this position should be directed to Prof. Alan Aspuru-Guzik at aspuru@utoronto.ca

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education – Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in quantum computing with a focus on quantum algorithms. Ph.D. must have been awarded in the past three years no earlier than 2022.

Experience – Candidate must have:

1. 2-3 years of postdoctoral experience in quantum computing with demonstrated academic and research excellence. The candidate should be able to highlight their ability to work independently, e.g., by single-author publications; experience presenting research, as evidenced through invited seminars.
2. Leading experience in the design and analysis of novel quantum algorithms for near-term and fault-tolerant quantum computers in quantum chemistry, partial differential equations, Hamiltonian simulation, and quantum linear algebra problems.
3. Evidence for experience with organizing scientific workshops/conferences or seminars in closely related topics.
4. Extensive mathematical skills and mastery in the theory of wavelets and multi-resolution analysis for quantum chemistry or scientific computation proven by prior related works.
5. Evidence for collaboration with a cross-functional team to analyze and optimize quantum algorithms, focusing on improving their performance for various applications.
6. Proven experience in writing research proposals; obtaining external grants; and mentoring graduate and/or undergraduate students.

Skills – Excellent in communicating effectively and efficiently in oral and written English. Collegial in working with team members and collaborators. Extensive coding skills in Python and Mathematica, and prior experience working with software and libraries for compiling and analyzing quantum algorithms, such as OpenFermion and Qiskit.

Other – The candidate must also have a strong publication record in recognized national and international journals and demonstrate success in writing and preparing manuscripts, presentations, reports, briefs, and scientific abstracts and manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Closing Date: 12/31/2024,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate 
Appointment Type: Grant - Term 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R01 -- Research Associates (Limited Term): $52,574 - $98,576
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching