Postdoctoral Scholars in Quantum chemistry on quantum computers/quantum machine learning, Faculty of Science

Position Description

Postdoctoral Scholar Position

Area: Quantum chemistry on quantum computers/Quantum machine learning
Duration: 1 year with the opportunity for extension
Start date: April 2024 (negotiable)
Salary: ≥$55,000 $CAD per year, negotiable based on funding, qualifications, and experience, plus University of Calgary Postdoctoral health insurance benefits

The Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for two or more Postdoctoral Scholars in Quantum chemistry on quantum computers/Quantum machine learning.

Job Description:

We are seeking motivated postdoctoral scholars with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, intellectual independence, and a willingness to explore unfamiliar aspects of computational quantum chemistry including quantum algorithms and quantum machine learning. The research will focus on the development of new computational methods to exploit the emerging advantage of quantum computers.Synergies are anticipated between two research axes i) improvements and applications of quantum algorithms for the treatment of electronic correlation for molecular applications and ii) improvements and applications of quantum machine learning methods for chemistry and materials discovery. Results from this work will ultimately contribute to improved understanding of chemical mechanisms, e.g. nanocatalysis, and technologically important materials.

The successful candidates will be working under the supervision of Professor Dennis Salahub and co-supervised by Dr. Sergey Gusarov (National Research Council of Canada)

These positions are expected to provide a rich multidisciplinary research environment with opportunities for collaboration with cognate disciplines focusing on quantum science and technology within Alberta's emerging quantum ecosystem including Quantum Horizons Alberta, Quantum City, the Institute for Quantum Science and Technology and Quantum Alberta.

Responsibilities:

• Devise, implement, validate and apply computational methods for quantum chemistry on quantum
• computers and/or quantum machine learning.
• Present and report research results at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Mentor graduate and/or undergraduate students' complementary research projects
• Maintain a safe, collegial, interactive, and welcoming research environment

Qualifications:

• PhD degree, preferably within the last three years, in theoretical/computational chemistry or physics
• or in computer science.
• Experience within the fields of ab initio quantum chemistry or density functional theory or quantum
• information science or quantum computing or machine learning
• Willingness to learn at least one new area amongst those just listed
• Experience with high-performance computing
• Familiarity with the MolCas or deMon2k software or similar codes would be an asset
• Familiarity with quantum emulators such as Qiskit, PennyLane, Cirq would be an asset
• Familiarity with D-Wave quantum annealers would be an asset
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Please review the Postdoc Eligibility Guidelines for more information prior to applying for this position.

Application details:

Evaluation of applications will begin on March 1, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.Interested applicants may direct any inquiries about the position to dsalahub@ucalgary.ca

To apply, please submit your application via email as a single PDF file with the subject line: Postdoctoral application - [Your name] to Prof. Dennis Salahub at dsalahub@ucalgary.ca

All applications must include the following documents:

1) One-page cover letter expressing interest in this position, including date of availability, suitability
and motivation for the role
2) Current curriculum vitae (CV) that includes a list of all publications
3) A one-page research statement summarizing previous research experience
4) official or unofficial copy of diploma(s)/university certificate(s); and
5) the names and contact information of at least two (2) referees with knowledge of your research and academic experience to support your application

Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted further. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada, although others are encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

The terms and conditions of employment are covered under the UCalgary and PDAC Collective Agreement. To find out more about postdoctoral scholar program at the University of Calgary visit our Postdocs website.

To learn more about postdoctoral scholar opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Postdoc Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from the strongest economy in the nation and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).