At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in quantum computation and error suppression techniques.
- Company: Join Imperial College, a top global university driving scientific breakthroughs.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 39 days off, and extensive career development support.
- Other info: Collaborate with industry partners and access high-performance computing facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge quantum research at a world-leading institution.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields or equivalent experience in quantum computation.
The predicted salary is between 45399 - 48876 £ per year.
Dr Zhenyu Cai’s research group in the Department of Computing seeks a highly motivated and exceptionally talented quantum theorist to lead projects aimed at developing a full-stack approach to suppressing errors in quantum hardware. This research focuses on achieving practical quantum computation by integrating techniques ranging from hardware-level noise suppression, quantum error mitigation, all the way to full fault-tolerant computation.
What you would be doing
The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge theoretical research in topics including (but not limited to):
- Quantum architectures, compilation, and scalable quantum systems
- Hardware implementation of quantum error correction/mitigation protocols
This post is primarily funded by the EPSRC Quantum Technologies Fellowship held by Dr Cai. Although theory-focused, the position encourages engagement with experimental partners, including those in industry. The project will support research visits and joint activities with these collaborators. The research will involve both analytical work and numerical computations. The balance between analytical and numerical type work is flexible and can depend on the preferences and skills of the successful applicant. Access to high-performance computing facilities and cloud-based quantum hardware will be provided to support the simulation and verification of theoretical methods.
What we are looking for
A PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research / industrial experience. Practical experience within a research environment and publication in relevant and refereed journals / conferences in the field of quantum computation. Experience of dealing with industry partners and research collaborators. Experience of error correction simulation using packages like Stim and/or conducting large quantum circuit simulation and experience of scientific programming involving HPC or GPU systems; experience of participating in collaborative software projects; use of GitHub or similar are desirable.
Please see job description for full list of requirements.
What we can offer you
You will have the opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution. Imperial College is currently ranked #2 in the QS world university rankings with the Department of Computing ranked top of the 2021 UK REF assessment. You will receive a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year) and a comprehensive early career development support package including 10 training and development days.
Further information:
- Candidates who have not been awarded a PhD you will be appointed at Research Assistant level within the salary range: £45,399 - £48,876 per annum
- Full-time, Fixed term to start as soon as possible for 36 months
In addition to completing the online application candidates should attach:
- A full CV, highlighting publications or preprints relevant to the position
- A 1-page research statement on how your experience meets the above requirements.
If you require any further details on the role, please contact Dr Zhenyu Cai: z.cai1@imperial.ac.uk
About Imperial
Welcome to Imperial, a global top-ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact. Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact. As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network. This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.
Our Culture
We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our web pages. Proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces community. Our values are at the root of everything we do, and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.
Research Associate in Quantum Computation employer: SONICOM
At SONICOM, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our sector-leading salary and opportunities for professional development, making this an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive in the field of mitochondrial medicine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Quantum Computation
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at SONICOM, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like SONICOM. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Quantum Computation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at SONICOM. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at SONICOM. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at SONICOM
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at SONICOM. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at SONICOM to drive research projects forward.
