Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Economics

The primary responsibility of this scientific software development role is to maintain and extend the modelling / emulation tools employed by the Benjamin group in Oxford.  These include the QuEST family: The core QuEST code (c code), the QuESTlink facility (a means by which QuEST tools can be integrated into Mathematica) and pyQuEST (a variant, currently in beta, whereby python users can use the core QuEST capabilities).  You will liaise with both Professor Benjamin and other group members to understand the goals for debugging, enhancing and extending the emulation tools, or indeed authoring wholly new tools. You will then prioritise and action these needs.

You will also have opportunities to develop your own research interests in the field of applied theory and modelling for quantum computing, with the understanding that the development of the emulation tools themselves is the primary task.

The post is ideally 12 months at 80% part time, though other arrangements such as 100% over a shorter period may also be possible.  For full responsibilities and criteria please see the job description.

With extensive experience in developing scientific software, you will be familiar with delivering applications at multiple levels from personal computers through to distributed HPC and GPU systems. You will have proven your ability to design and implement highly efficient algorithms for challenging problems, delivering world-leading results. You will be capable of working autonomously but also comfortable working in a team, whether in a leading role or providing a more modest component of a large project. You will have a PhD (or be near completion) in a relevant field such as physics, computer science or mathematics. If you have experience developing for the QuEST tools themselves, this will be a considerable advantage.

The website qtechtheory.org presents some examples of recent work from Professor Simon Benjamin’s research group.  An important enabling capability for the team’s research is the ability to model quantum systems, especially small quantum computers, using conventional non-quantum hardware and software.  With these predictive tools, the team can anticipate the quantum behaviour of devices based on classical descriptions of the devices.

You will work closely with this team, taking primary responsibility for the future development of the modelling tools but also collaborating more generally on various topics in applied quantum computing theory as they arise.

How to Apply

All applications must be made online using the Oxford University E-Recruitment system, no later than 12 noon on 17 March 2023. You will be required to upload a CV and a Supporting Statement as part of your application.  Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, transcripts, mark sheets or certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application.  Interviews are scheduled for Monday 27 March 2023, on Teams, Zoom or in person. Please note in normal circumstances only interview travel expenses within the UK will be reimbursed.