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• Join a world-class team at the cutting edge of technology, focussed on making quantum computers a reality
• Collaborate with a diverse, multicultural team across the full stack quantum computer
• Enjoy the sunny shores and stunning scenery of Sydney, Australia

An exciting opportunity exists for a Quantum Computer Verification and Validation Scientist to undertake a unique academic-industry position in a start-up company, Silicon Quantum Computing Pty Ltd (SQC) based at UNSW Sydney. This position will be in one of Australia’s leading research teams conducting world-leading research in atomic electronics and quantum computing with the specific aim of building a quantum computer based on atom-qubits in silicon. Silicon Quantum Computing is an Australian research and development company, working hard to make quantum computers a reality. 

This role will consider the application of noise characterisation and mitigation strategies on near term silicon quantum computers, including the characterisation of non-Markovian and crosstalk effects, modelling noise in near terms devices and developing protocols to mitigate noise effects on quantum devices. The QC Verification and Validation Scientist will work closely with hardware and software teams to develop and test their implementation on silicon-based quantum computing devices. The research includes both a fundamental role researching new mitigation and characterisation strategies and a practical aspect, modelling noise in real world devices and improving experiments by mitigating noise in quantum computing devices used for solving fundamental and real-world problems.

The QC Verification and Validation Scientist reports to Associate Professor Charles Hill and will work alongside Dr Casey Myers, and other staff and students funded by SQC. It is expected that the successful applicant will work collaboratively with both theory and experimental teams.

About the role

• Fixed Term – 3 years
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

Background

• SQC is a well-funded Australian company formed by the Commonwealth Government, the New South Wales State Government, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Telstra, and UNSW Sydney.
• SQC is seeking to commercialise silicon quantum computing technology developed in Australia – technology that has the potential to have a global impact.
• SQC’s work is building on more than 20 years of world-leading research by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication (CQC²T or the Centre) which includes the development of dedicated manufacturing and measurement techniques for an atom-based quantum computer in silicon.
• This role and SQC are located at the headquarters of the Centre at UNSW Sydney.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

 LEVEL A: 

• Characterisation of noise in quantum devices using quantum characterisation, verification & validation (QCVV) techniques, including non-Markovian and cross-talk noise using the Quantum Process Tensor.
• Model the effects of noise, including complex noise, on silicon quantum computing devices.
• Development of noise mitigation methods on near term silicon quantum computers.
• Facilitate the demonstration of such noise mitigation techniques on near-term, small-scale atom-based silicon hardware.
• Work with hardware and software teams to develop robust toolsets for noise characterisation and mitigation.
• Contribute independently, or as a team member in collaborative research, to the field of quantum information, including by generating high quality research publication output.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team of quantum physicists, engineers, technicians, postdoctoral researchers and PhD students to identify early-stage opportunities for noise characterisation and noise mitigation implementation on silicon-based quantum computer devices.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the UNSW Values in Action: Our Behaviours and the UNSW Code of Conduct.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

 LEVEL B:
(in addition to the above)

• Characterisation of noise in quantum devices using quantum characterisation, verification & validation (QCVV) techniques, including non-Markovian and cross-talk noise using the Quantum Process Tensor.
• Assume a significant role in research projects including, where appropriate, leadership of a research team.
• Make a significant contribution to the field of quantum information, including with publications in internationally recognised journals and presentations.
• Supervise a program of study of postgraduate students.

About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

LEVEL A:             

• A PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related area.
• Demonstrated outstanding research capabilities developing noise characterisation and/or noise mitigation techniques on quantum computing architectures.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Experience writing high-performance algorithm implementations, preferably in Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or equivalent. GPU programming experience (CUDA).
• Theoretical background in at least one of: quantum information/simulation; near term quantum computing; noise characterisation and mitigation.
• Experience designing and developing models, both analytical and numerical, for classical and quantum computing.
• Knowledge of proper software development practices, e.g., documentation, testing, design patterns, version control (e.g., git), etc.
• Experience with exploratory data analysis and database management.
• Well-organised, attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• High level written and verbal communication skills and the ability to network effectively and interact with a diverse range of students and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training. 

LEVEL B:
(in addition to the above) 

• Demonstrated track record in research with outcomes of high quality and high impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence as well as the capacity for research leadership.
• An excellent research track record in the discipline area, both domestically and internationally, as evidenced by conference presentations and publications.
• Significant experience in HDR student supervision.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed above in your application.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact:
Charles Hill
E: charles.hill1@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: June 6^th, 2024

Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity or Indigenous heritage. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply.

UNSW partners with Australia’s leading diversity organisations, networks, and campaigns. Please refer to UNSW’s diversity offerings for further information on our flexible work and leave options, and support for carers (childcare, parent rooms, parental leave).