PhD in Computational Sciences (Project: Development of Hybrid Quantum-Classical Algorithms for Simulating Quantum Electrodynamics on Quantum Computers)
The Cyprus Institute (CyI) is a non-profit research and educational institution with a strong scientific and technological orientation, emphasizing international collaborations, cross-disciplinary research, innovation, and postgraduate education. Through its established research centers, CyI addresses challenging issues that are important at both the regional and international levels. Many of its research activities are being carried out in partnership with leading institutions in the respective thematic areas.
The position offers excellent possibilities for professional development of highly motivated individuals in the framework of «RESTART 2016-2020» Programmes for Research, Technological Development and Innovation, within which the Cyprus Institute established a “Hub of Excellence” in simulating lattice gauge theories with near-term quantum devices in cooperation with the University of Cyprus, DESY Zeuthen, the University of Bath and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The successful applicant will be based at the Graduate School of The Cyprus Institute and at the Computation-based Science and Technology Research Center (CaSToRC).
Description of the Position and Scientific Objectives
The successful candidate will advance the CaSToRC’s research and innovation agenda in quantum computing with near-term quantum technology through theoretical research and numerical simulations. Quantum computing, meaning the use of quantum systems for computational tasks while exploiting their quantum nature, offers the prospect of efficiently tackling problems that are intractable with conventional numerical simulations. The project aims at exploring efficient algorithms for such devices in order to simulate models in high-energy physics and beyond, in particular in regimes which are inaccessible with conventional numerical methods such as Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques. Using quantum electrodynamics in 2+1 dimensions as a testbed, the main goal is to develop a hybrid quantum-classical approach suited for near-term gate-based quantum devices that allows for addressing the theory in situations where Markov chain Monte Carlo is not possible.
The objectives of the project are:
| • | The development of hybrid quantum-classical algorithms for simulating 2+1 dimensional QED in the presence of a chemical potential and a topological term. |
| • | The development of techniques suitable for mitigating the effects of noise, as current quantum devices still suffer from substantial levels of noise. |
| • | The development of methods for designing efficient circuits suitable for gauge theories, in order to ensure maximal expressivity and to avoid unnecessary gate operations. |
| • | The implementation of these algorithms and techniques on commercially available, qubit-based quantum hardware. |
Required Qualifications
| • | MSc in Physics or Applied Mathematics |
| • | Basic knowledge of at least one high-level programming language (e.g. MATLAB, Julia, Python) |
Preferred Qualifications
| • | Knowledge about the circuit model of quantum computing |
| • | Basic experience in usage of common software frameworks for quantum computing (e.g. Qiskit) |
| • | Experience in exact diagonalization, tensor network methods or other numerical techniques for strongly-correlated quantum lattice systems |
Financial Support
The successful candidate will be employed as Graduate Research Assistant or receive a stipend in accordance with the current regulations at the Graduate School. We offer competitive financial support with the exact salary / stipend level to be confirmed upon appointment.
Application Process
Applicants should refer to the CyI website under the PhD in Computational Sciences Admissions section for additional information about the application process.
Applications should be sent through the online application system of The Cyprus Institute Graduate School. When applying through the online application, in Step 2 of the application under the section ‘Scholarship or Financial Aid’, applicants should select ‘Specific PhD Project’ and they should enter the project reference code: GS-COS-QMHUB-22- 1 in the Project Code field. Applicants should also mention in their statement of intent that they are applying for the PhD position with reference code: GS-COS-QMHUB-22-1. If the code is not entered in the online application, the applicant may not be considered for this position.
Application Deadline
| Entry | Deadlines | Eligibility |
| Spring 2024 | Regular Deadline: September 15, 2023 | For all applicants |
| Spring 2024 | Late Deadline: December 1, 2023 | For applicants who do not require a student visa |
Contact Information
For further information, please contact Professor C. Alexandrou (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). For more information about postgraduate studies at The Cyprus Institute and admission requirements, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies of The Cyprus Institute at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at tel: +357 22208614.
