Doctoral student in characterization of large-scale quantum computers

We are looking for a Doctoral student to become part of our team at the Division of Applied Quantum Physics at the Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience. Join our innovative theory team and contribute to exciting research in scaling up quantum computers in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

About us

The Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience advances the frontiers in quantum technology, nanoscience, photonics, and future electronic systems — for technical and societal development. Our cross-disciplinary approach gives interesting collaborations in academy, industry, and society, and is a driving force for innovations, results, and breakthroughs. We offer a vibrant, international research environment and direct access to world-class nanofabrication facilities.

The research in this project will be connected to the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT), a 12-year, 1.5-billion-SEK initiative started in 2018 with the purpose of advancing Swedish academia and industry to the forefront of quantum technology, and to build a Swedish quantum computer. Building a quantum computer requires a multi-disciplinary effort involving experimental and theoretical physicists, electrical and microwave engineers, computer scientists, software engineers, and researchers in materials science and nanotechnology. Our WACQT team at Chalmers currently has about 100 members. We are developing the superconducting quantum devices, control circuits, firmware, and methods required to make the quantum computer a reality. This development takes place is in a close, fruitful collaboration between experimentalists in the Division of Quantum Technology and theorists at the Division of Applied Quantum Physics Laboratory and the Department for Computer Science and Engineering. In this collaboration, the main tasks of the theorists are to help model the hardware and to develop application use cases for the quantum processor.

About the research project

Our ambitious goal at Chalmers is to build a quantum computer with 100 superconducting qubits and to apply it to real computational problems that cannot be efficiently solved on a conventional computer. To achieve this goal, our theory team is developing methods to model, design, and characterize large-scale quantum devices. In this research project, the focus will be on characterization, but with strong connections to modelling and design. At the scale of 100 qubits, complete characterization of a quantum computer becomes infeasible, so one must be clever about what information to extract and how to do it. The aims of the research project are therefore (i) to develop methods for approximate, selective, and/or partial tomography of quantum states and processes on large quantum computers and (ii) to develop strategies for inferring model parameters, e.g., coupling strengths and noise levels, from measurement data from these devices.

Who we are looking for
The following requirements are mandatory:

• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master's degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits* in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or equivalent
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

• Ability to program in high-level languages such as Python or C

• for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor's degree is accepted.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Experience from working on quantum computing
• Experience from working on quantum state, process or measurement tomography, or other methods for characterizing and benchmarking quantum computers or other quantum systems

We value a collaborative attitude and an interest in working both in teams and independently. Self-motivation, attention to detail, and a problem-solving analytical ability are important personal qualities for this position.

What you will do

• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Microtechnology and Nanoscience
• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing
• The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours
• Develop methods for approximate, selective, and/or partial tomography of quantum states and processes on large quantum computers
• Develop strategies for inferring model parameters, e.g., coupling strengths and noise levels, from measurement data from large quantum computers
• Connect the characterization methods and strategies you develop to theoretical modelling and design work for large quantum computers, and to the experimental work on building large quantum computers

Contract terms

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
• The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden's generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV

Personal letter

• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.

Bachelor's and, if available, master's thesis together with the transcripts.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than 8 March 2026.

For questions, please contact:

Anton Frisk Kockum, Associate Professor

We look forward to your application

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.

Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.

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