About the project and us

Source of financing: Center for Quantum-Enabled Computing / Centrum Obliczeń Wspomaganych Kwantowo (FENG.02.01-IP.05-M032/25). The project is carried out within the International Research Agendas programme of the Foundation for Polish Science co-financed by the European Union under the European Funds for Smart Economy 2021–2027 (FENG).

The Center for Quantum-Enabled Computing project’s overarching objective is to address several key challenges in the field of computing by paving the way to a verifiable, energy-efficient, reliable, and scalable computational advantage based on quantum systems.

Project’s website:

Successful candidates will join the Quantum Computational Advantage Group led by prof. Michał Oszmaniec. The research activity of the group is centered on the three goals:

(i) Randomized implementation of quantum operations and circuits. Developing methods for realizing complex quantum computations through randomized combinations of simpler, smaller, or noisier circuits. The aim is to reduce hardware requirements and improve performance of near-term quantum devices, with applications to error mitigation and circuit cutting for specific algorithmic primitives relevant to concrete applications.

(ii) Verification of quantum advantage on realistic hardware. Designing certification and benchmarking protocols for sampling-based quantum advantage experiments, with emphasis on Boson Sampling and Fermion Sampling. We will target implementations on superconducting qubits, trapped ions, Rydberg atoms, and photonic processors while accounting for realistic imperfections.

(iii) Applications and limitations of quantum advantage schemes. Exploring whether quantum advantage protocols can be turned into useful computational or cryptographic primitives, including certified randomness generation, generative machine learning, and quantum chemistry. We will also investigate whether proposed quantum advantages can be “dequantized”, leading to improved classical algorithms inspired by quantum protocols.

The Center for Quantum-Enabled Computing is part of the Center for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CFT PAN), which conducts research in quantum information, cosmology, gravitation, semiconductors, and atomic gases.

The institute employs top scientists, giving them freedom in research, resulting in publications in Nature and Science, more than 30 funded projects, and participation in international consortia.

The institute hosts seminars, workshops, and conferences open to the public and produces educational content available on its YouTube channel.

About the role

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher who will join the newly established Center for Quantum-Enabled Computing at CFT PAN — the first scientific unit in Poland dedicated to applying quantum effects in computing.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Implementation of the research tasks outlined in the proposal, as well as other tasks assigned by the project leader, using both analytical and numerical methods.
• Co-supervision of PhD and undergraduate students employed in the project.
• Dissemination of results (writing articles, presentations at scientific events).
• Participation in scientific life of the institute, including the CTP PAS Colloquium and C4QEC seminar.

About you

• PhD degree in physics (or related discipline relevant to the research agenda); if not yet awarded, supervisor’s statement confirming planned defense date is required.
• The PhD must have been obtained no earlier than 2021.
• Very good command of English.
• Very good knowledge of quantum physics and quantum information/quantum computing.
• Familiarity with advanced mathematical methods of quantum mechanics (representation theory of Lie groups and Lie algebras, functional analysis, concentration of measure) is an asset.
• Motivation and willingness to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Openness to collaboration and international networking.
• Experience in supervising students is an asset.

What we offer

• Research in a creative and friendly environment.
• Development of analytical and numerical skills in quantum information theory.
• Collaboration with leading institutes (University of Helsinki, INL Braga, ICFO Barcelona).
• Conference and travel funding.
• Access to computational resources at CFT PAN.
• Competitive salary (12 980–14 660 PLN gross/month).
• Flexible working hours.
• Inclusive academic culture based on teamwork and respect.
• Subsidies for Multisport card, leisure activities, and childcare.

How to apply

Applications should be sent to recruitment@cft.edu.pl by 15.06.2026 with reference “MAB/14/2026”.

Recruitment process

We carefully review each application. Candidates whose experience matches requirements are invited to an interview (usually online).

We stay in contact throughout the process and provide feedback after interviews.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

CFT PAN operates in an inclusive environment regardless of personal, physical or social characteristics. Teamwork and individual strengths are highly valued.

Equality, respect and openness are fundamental academic values. The institute ensures a safe and inclusive space for all members of its scientific community.