Post-doctoral Research Associate Adiabatic Quantum Computation
London Centre for Nanotechnology

Title: Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Reference: 1249717
Grade: UCL Grade 7
Salary: £29,249 - £35,938 per annum (in addition to London Allowance of £2,806)
Terms and Conditions: In accordance with the conditions of employment as laid down in the relevant UCL Staff policies
Web: https://www.london-nano.com/our-people/vacancies/all

Accountable to: Dr Paul Warburton and Dr Simone Severini

Summary of Job Function:
The PDRA will develop adiabatic quantum computation (AQC) algorithms, specifically applied to machine learning, pattern recognition and classification, or many-body physical systems; the precise problem(s) to be solved will be determined by the interests and skills of the appointed person. The appointee will work closely with collaborators at ISI in the University of Southern California (USC) under our “Global Engagement for Global Impact” programme, funded by EPSRC. The post is funded for a period of 12 months.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Carry out research and be responsible for key aspects of the overall Research Project focusing on developing algorithms which are suitable for solution using adiabatic quantum computation.
• Collaborate with co-investigators on the Project together with collaborators at USC. It is expected that the PDRA will spend a significant period physically located at USC, in addition to regular remote interaction with colleagues there.
• Perform “benchmarking” tests of AQC algorithms using hardware at USC along with comparative tests using conventional cluster tools at UCL.
• Contribute to the drafting and submitting of papers to peer reviewed journals/conferences/workshops, of progress reports as required, and of further research bids and proposals.
• Contribute to the overall activities of the centre/department and of the research team as required.
• Contribute to the induction and training of other research staff and students as requested.

London Centre for Nanotechnology
17-19 Gordon Street
London WC1H 0AH
www.london-nano.com

• The postholder will carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by Dr Warburton and Dr Severini. If duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and amended in consultation with the postholder.
• The postholder will actively follow UCL policies including Equal Opportunities and Race Equality policies.
• The postholder will maintain an awareness and observation of Fire and Health & Safety Regulations.

Person specification:
Educational Qualifications:
Essential:
Applicants should have a PhD in theoretical physics or computer science or mathematics, or at least have submitted their thesis.
• Expertise in quantum computation.
• A research track-record of publication in any area of theoretical quantum computation.
• Fluency and clarity in spoken English.
• Good written English.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of team.
• Commitment to high quality research.
• Ability to deliver adequate training and support to other lab users.
Desirable:
• Experience of any aspect of adiabatic quantum computation.
• Theoretical familiarity with Ising spin-chain systems

London Centre for Nanotechnology:
The London Centre for Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary joint enterprise between University College London and Imperial College London. In bringing together worldclass infrastructure and leading nanotechnology research activities, the Centre aims to attain the critical mass to compete with the best facilities abroad. Research programmes are aligned to three key areas, namely Planet Care, Healthcare and Information Technology and exploit core competencies in biomedical, physical and engineering sciences. The Centre occupies a purpose-built eight storey facility in Gordon Street, Bloomsbury, as well as extensive facilities within different departments at South Kensington. LCN researchers have access to state-of-the-art clean-room, characterisation, fabrication, manipulation and design laboratories. This experimental research is complemented by leading edge modelling, visualisation and theory. LCN has strong relationships with the broader nanotechnology and commercial communities, and is involved in much major collaboration. As the world’s only such facility to be located in the heart of a metropolis, LCN has superb access to corporate, investment and industrial partners. LCN is at the forefront of training in nanotechnology, and has a strong media presence aimed at educating the public and bringing transparency to this emerging science.

Application procedure:
Further details about the post and the application procedure are available at www.london-nano.com.
If you are unable to apply online please contact Ms Denise Ottley at the London Centre for Nanotechnology, [email protected] or 17-19 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AH, for advice. Informal enquiries about the project can be made to Dr. Paul Warburton (http://www.london-nano.com/our-people/academics/paul-warburton) or Dr Simone Severini (http://www.homepages.ucl.ac.uk/~ucapsse/).