We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region.
Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne
make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in
science, technology, and administration.
Embedded into the Institute for Theoretical Physics and the Cluster of Excel-
lence ML4Q, the team of Dr Markus Heinrich studies the power and limitations
of near-term quantum computers using mathematically rigorous methods.
www.quantum-randomness.com
YOUR TASKS
» Join the European QuantERA consortium “Bosonic quantum computers,
learning, characterization and testing“
» Contribute to a toolbox for the characterization of bosonic quantum
computers
» Develop new theoretical methods to benchmark these devices and to
efficiently and robustly read out relevant information
» Study connections to classical simulation, quantum error correction, and
random unitaries
» Present your results at prestigious international workshops and confe-
rences
» Build close research collaborations within the consortium and deepen
them through regular research visits and a longer research stay
» Transfer your results into practice: work closely with the software team at
the consortium partner Alice & Bob
YOUR PROFILE
» Master‘s degree with excellent marks in physics, computer science,
mathematics, or a related field; thesis in quantum information/computing
preferred
» Strong interest in quantum information theory & computing
» Strong mathematical thinking; ideally with prior knowledge of represen-
tation theory or a strong motivation to learn it
» Prior knowledge of one or more of the following is a plus: bosonic sys-
tems, randomized benchmarking, classical shadows, classical simulation,
random unitaries
» Very good communication skills, high level of motivation, and the ability
to conduct work independently
WE OFFER
» A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
» Support in balancing work and family life
» Flexible working time models
» Extensive advanced training opportunities
» Occupational health management offers
The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women
will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities
Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We
also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of
their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual
orientation and identity.
The position is available from 1 December 2026 on a part-time basis
(29,87 hours per week). The position is to be filled for a fixed term until 30
November 2029. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements
and has the appropriate personal qualifications, the salary is based on
remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.
Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications (without a photo)
under https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de The reference number is Wiss2607-06.
The application deadline is 12 August 2026.
For further inquiries, please contact Dr Markus Heinrich at
([email protected]) and take a look at our FAQs.
Doctoral Researcher (f/m/x)
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Learning, Characterizing, Testing of Bosonic Quantum Computers
