PhD position for qFLOW project

PhD position for qFLOW project

Limited: 3 years | Starting date: earliest possible | ID: APDO004/2026 | Deadline: | Full-time/Part-time | Remote work possible

DESY, with more than 2900 employees at its two locations in Hamburg and Zeuthen, is one of the world’s leading research centres. Its research focuses on decoding the structure and function of matter, from the smallest particles of the universe to the building blocks of life. In this way, DESY contributes to solving the major questions and urgent challenges facing science, society and industry. With its ultramodern research infrastructure, its interdisciplinary research platforms and its international networks, DESY offers a highly attractive working environment in the fields of science, technology and administration as well as for the education of highly qualified young scientists.

The Centre for Quantum Technology and Applications (CQTA) at DESY’s Zeuthen site focuses on applied research in quantum computing and quantum sensing. Its core mission is to identify and develop use cases for these technologies in science and beyond. This position is part of the qFLOW project, which investigates the potential of quantum computing for simulating complex fluid flows. Such systems are governed by nonlinear, multiscale partial differential equations (PDEs) and play a key role in fields such as hydrology, environmental science, and energy technology. Despite their importance, accurately simulating these phenomena remains computationally demanding and, in many realistic scenarios, beyond the reach of even state‑of‑the‑art high‑performance computing (HPC) systems.

About your role

• Development of quantum algorithms for fluid dynamics problems
• Development of quantum Lagrangian neural nets for droplet and bubble interface oscillations
• Implementation and benchmarking on quantum hardware and classical simulators
• Publication of the scientific results in journals and presentation at conferences / consortia

About you

• PhD in physics with focus on quantum computing and quantum information
• Strong background in numerical simulations and knowledge in some high‑level programming language, e.g., Python, Julia, C++
• Experience with Qiskit, the ITensor framework or other tensor network packages is an advantage
• Basic knowledge of machine learning and/or fluid dynamics is an advantage
• Good command of written and spoken English

Good reasons to join

Look forward to a unique working environment on our international research campus. Respectful cooperation and the well‑being of our DESY employees are particularly important to us. Gender equality is an important aspect for us. To support work‑life balance we offer flexible working hours, variable part‑time, job‑sharing models and participation in mobile work (up to 50%). You will benefit from our family‑friendly and collegial atmosphere, our established health management and occupational pension provision. As a public funded employer, we offer you a secure workplace and facilitate your individual career with our comprehensive training and development opportunities.

Remuneration is according to the regulations of DESY in Zeuthen. DESY does not grant doctoral degrees directly but collaborates with the University of Potsdam or the Humboldt University. Candidates for thesis research will have to satisfy the terms of admission for doctoral theses of the University. PhD students receive a monthly salary of 67% of the payment of the remuneration group 13 TVöD (Federal Government).

DESY promotes equal opportunities and diversity. The professional development of women is very important to us and therefore we strongly encourage women to apply for the vacant position.

Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified (sbv.desy.de).