Ilkka Tittonen
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Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Algorithms and Optimization for Life Science Applications Aalto University in Finland
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Fixed-term two-year postdoctoral contract, extendable by one year subject to funding and progress; salary approximately 4200€ per month.
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
Finland
University
Aalto University
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About this position
Postdoctoral researcher in quantum algorithms and optimization for Life Science applications at Aalto University, based in the Micro and Quantum Systems (MQS) research group in the Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering.
The project sits at the intersection of quantum computing, quantum information, computational biology, genomics, and materials science. The researcher will develop and study hybrid quantum-classical methods and quantum algorithms for hard computational problems arising in four application domains: bioinformatics, plant breeding, biomaterial synthesis, and cellulose-processing enzyme design. The work includes near-term NISQ-era approaches as well as medium- and long-term algorithmic ideas, with attention to expressivity, training stability, scalability, resource requirements, and benchmarking against classical baselines.
The role is embedded in an active, expanding research group led by Professor Ilkka Tittonen. The MQS group includes a lecturer, staff scientist, research fellow, postdocs, PhD students, and undergraduate collaborators, and it works closely with partners in life science and materials groups to provide domain expertise. The position offers the chance to contribute to research at the interface of foundational quantum computing and practical applications, using access to quantum hardware and a lively international research environment.
The successful candidate will also help supervise PhD students and contribute to the group’s teaching activities while pursuing high-impact research and publications.
Funding details
Fixed-term two-year postdoctoral contract, extendable by one year subject to funding and progress; salary approximately 4200€ per month.
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD in theoretical physics, mathematics, computer science, or another relevant field, awarded no more than two years before the application deadline. A solid background in quantum computing and quantum algorithms is required, along with programming skills such as Python and experience with numerical simulations or quantum software frameworks such as Qiskit or PennyLane. Candidates should have demonstrated ability to conduct independent and collaborative research on advanced topics and a working proficiency in English; Finnish is not required. Familiarity with bioinformatics, computational biology, materials science, or related application areas is an advantage but not mandatory. Teaching or supervision experience is also valuable.
How to apply
Apply through Aalto University’s recruitment site via the “Apply now!” link. Submit all materials in PDF format, up to five files and no larger than 5 MB each. Include a CV with publication list, a motivation letter, and up to two recommendation letters if available. Do not apply by email.
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Professors
Professor at Aalto University
Finland
Research Interests
Biomaterials
Quantum Algorithms
Mathematics
Quantum Computing
Computer Science
University Lecturer at Aalto University
Finland
Research Interests
Quantum Physics
Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Computing
Quantum Communication
Computational Biology
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.