"Path 1 Kawader: Research Assistant - Quantum Computing"

The Center for Quantum and Topological Systems (CQTS) at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is seeking to recruit a Research Assistant in the area of Quantum Computing, both at the hardware and the software levels.

The center is an interdisciplinary research hub that involves the Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics programs. Accordingly, research can be in either of two directions:

1. Quantum computing software

With software being currently more theoretical, it is in a sense advancing faster than hardware is, there is a need and prominence for quantum simulators. It would hence be interesting and desirable to come up with an approach to quantum computing languages that simulate quantum processes not on a pertinent quantum computer but on a classical one.

At the same time, it would be important for such an approach to be fundamental and aware of the quantum material underlying the expected hardware, leading to languages that are implementable and realistic.

A promising such approach is through topological quantum computing, which is robust against noise, errors, and perturbations, leading to reliable and scalable hardware, and hence practically useful and implementable software.

The project will have several independent aspects to it, leading to the possibility of working individually or as part of a team. The topics include implementing and simulating (topological) quantum gates, verification and certification of the simulations, building a reliable software library, and then combining ingredients from such a library to construct simulations of the desirable quantum programs.

2. Quantum computing hardware

There has been a lot exciting research on building quantum computers using various platforms using different physics and chemistry of the underlying quantum materials. Many of the existing prototypes rely on extreme laboratory conditions, such as large size which makes them immobile, and extreme temperatures close to absolute zero, which make them physically inaccessible for students.

However, one of the earliest approaches, which relies on spin resonance, although operating on a small number of qubits, allows for such prototypes to be of desktop size and operating under standard/normal conditions, rendering them usefully accessible.

Another approach that is currently being developed is using topological materials to utilize anyons for topological quantum computing.

The goal of the project is to explore hardware/materials for quantum computing from various approaches, mainly spin resonance and topological quantum matter.

Simulations can be done on either GPU machines or on the CQTS dedicated educational quantum computer, and there is an option of remotely accessing various advanced quantum computing platforms.

Principal responsibilities

• Performing interdisciplinary research in topological and/or quantum systems within the projects of the center and in alignment with its goals, in collaboration and coordination with the PI and/or the CoPIs, potentially leading to quality publications.
• Participation in the activities of the center, including workshops, training sessions, seminars, conferences, hackathons, meetings, and interaction with visitors.

The candidate will also work on individualized research projects under the supervision of the faculty during the duration of his/her tenure.

This position is supervised by Dr. Hisham and Dr. Asif

Required Education

• Bachelors in one of the following: Computer Science, Computer/Electrical/Communication Engineering, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics.

Preferred Education

• Masters in one of the above.

Required Work and Related Experience

Research experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Quantum software
• Quantum circuits/simulations
• Quantum hardware/condensed matter physics
• Quantum theory/Mathematics

Preferred Work and Related Experience

• Experience in or potential for interdisciplinary research.

To apply, submit the following:

1. Statement of interest in the position
2. Transcript of degree(s)
3. CV
4. Two letters of recommendation

UAE nationals are encouraged to apply.

This position is under the NYUAD Kawader program, for details regarding the program, please refer to our NYUAD Kawader webpage: https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/about/careers/postdoctoral-and-research/kawader-research-assistantship-program.html