PhD Position – Hybrid Quantum Computing for Earth Observation

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Are you interested in pursuing a research project in data science using quantum computing on state-of-the-art quantum devices and supercomputers? The Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC), is seeking applicants for a joint PhD student in collaboration with the Simulation and Data Lab “AI and Machine Learning for Remote Sensing” and the research group “Quantum Information Processing”. At JSC, we operate the Jülich UNified Infrastructure for Quantum Computing (JUNIQ), a uniform Quantum Computing Platform as a Service (QC-PaaS), which provides European users with support and access to quantum computer emulators and quantum computing technologies at various levels of technological maturity. JUNIQ integrates quantum computers into quantum-classical hybrid computing systems, seamlessly connecting them with Europe`s most powerful High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems for scientific and engineering applications. Our teams are actively involved in developing hybrid quantum-classical machine learning models and optimization algorithms for Earth observation applications.

Your Job:

Quantum computing holds immense economic potential and societal impact, already showing unprecedented capabilities in tasks like prime factorization and decryption. It could also disrupt geosciences and remote sensing, particularly for Earth Observation (EO) applications in quantum machine learning and optimization. These advances are key for speeding up data processing, analysis, and integration into models, which are critical for future digital twin systems and for pursuing sustainable development goals such as climate action.
The main tasks of your PhD project are:

  • Developing and implementing hybrid quantum-classical algorithms on HPC systems to address current limitations of quantum devices, contributing to the definition of requirements for practical and impactful quantum computing
  • Adapting these algorithms for Earth Observation (EO) use cases to test and benchmark the latest quantum technologies
  • Enhancing JUNIQ’s user platform by integrating quantum computers into JSC’s Modular Supercomputer
  • Designing and delivering training programs for quantum computing users
  • Contributing to educational events, such as courses and hackathons, for users with multidisciplinary research backgrounds
  • Presenting research outcomes to stakeholders and the wider research community through meetings, conferences, and publications in high-impact journals

Your Profile:

  • Master’s degree in quantum physics, computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, or a related field
  • Experience in quantum computer programming
  • Intermediate knowledge of AI, applied Machine Learning, Deep Learning workflows, and commonly used software libraries
  • A strong interest in applying your data science expertise to satellite data
  • Interest and/or experience in developing and delivering lectures or training sessions in applied quantum computing
  • Excellent command of written and spoken English
  • Strong cooperation and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a scientific team in an international and interdisciplinary setting

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the opportunity to actively help in shaping change! Here is what Forschungszentrum Jülich can offer you:

  • You will be based and employed at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre and enrolled in the doctoral program of the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering (University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland)
  • Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure – ideal conditions for successfully completing a doctoral degree
  • Highly motivated researchers as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe’s largest research establishments
  • Continuous scientific mentoring by your scientific advisor
  • Access to advanced supercomputers, in particular Modular Supercomputing Architecture (MSA) environments
  • Chance of participation in (international) top conferences in the field of QC, ML, HPC and remote sensing
  • Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g. remote work
  • Opportunity to develop your strengths, e.g. through a comprehensive training programme; a structured programme including continuing professional development and networking opportunities specifically designed for Jülich’s doctoral researchers by the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors (JuDocS): https://go.fzj.de/JuDocs
  • 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)


In addition to exciting tasks and the collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/julich-as-an-employer/benefits

The position is for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund). In addition, an annual special payment is granted (“Christmas payment”), which amounts to 60 % of the monthly salary. Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich (including its various branch offices) is available at https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/phd . All information about the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) can be found on the BMI website: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 66 of the PDF download.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

We look forward to receiving your application. The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible.

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