Beatrix Hiesmayr

Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U) in Linz, Austria, is offering a full-time postdoctoral position for up to 4 years, focused on building an experimental platform for OAM (orbital angular momentum) entangled photons. The research group led by Professor Beatrix Hiesmayr is dedicated to advancing quantum entanglement, a foundational aspect of quantum mechanics with applications in quantum computation and quantum cryptography. The project centers on developing a photonic platform with structured entanglement, specifically OAM and polarization entangled photons, using non-linear crystals and advanced detection methods. The successful candidate will have expertise in experimental setups for photon generation (spontaneous parametric down-conversion or four-wave mixing) and detection, and will collaborate closely with theorists to benchmark structured entanglement and develop algebraic invariants and geometrical tools robust to realistic noise. The research will emphasize multipartite entanglement in higher dimensions, PPT-entanglement, and nonlinear entanglement witnesses for detecting separability or entanglement. Interdisciplinary collaboration is integral, including work with IT:U groups in artificial intelligence and security in communication and computing. Responsibilities include conducting research aligned with group interests, publishing academic papers, attending conferences, collaborating with other research groups, teaching up to 2 weekly credit hours, assisting with third-party funding applications, and participating in outreach projects. The position offers a competitive salary starting at €67,000 gross per year, flexible working hours, home office options, and a supportive, diverse international research environment. IT:U values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds. Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent in physics, mathematics, computer science, computational neuroscience, or related fields, be fluent in English, and have training in experimental photonic platforms, preferably with OAM entangled photons. High interest in teaching and outreach is expected. The group is internationally active, providing opportunities for collaboration and mobility across Europe. To apply, submit your application via the IT:U career portal and contact Dr. David Bancelin for further information. Highlight your relevant expertise and motivation for interdisciplinary research in your application materials.

Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U) in Linz, Austria, is offering a full-time PostDoc position in Quantum Information for up to 4 years, starting April 1, 2026. IT:U is a new technical university dedicated to digital transformation, emphasizing interdisciplinary research and project-based learning. The research group led by Professor Beatrix Hiesmayr is building a photonic platform with structured entanglement, focusing on orbital angular momentum (OAM) and polarization entangled photons. The position addresses challenges in certifying high-dimensional quantum resources and multipartite quantum systems, including the development of benchmarks and theoretical quantities for large systems, stable calibration, and secure key distribution. The successful candidate will contribute to developing algebraic invariants and geometrical tools that remain robust under realistic noise, adapting information-theoretic tools to experimental platforms, and advancing novel quantum algorithms and communication protocols. The role involves conducting research, writing academic publications, attending conferences, collaborating with international research groups, teaching up to 2 weekly credit hours, assisting with third-party funding applications, and participating in outreach projects. Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent in physics, mathematics, computer science, computational neuroscience, or related fields. Required skills include fluency in English, training in quantum information, advanced mathematical tools, and programming. Experience in resource theory, PPT-entanglement, entanglement witnesses, and many-particle entanglement is highly valued. The university offers a competitive salary starting at €67,000 gross per year, flexible working hours, home office options, and a supportive, diverse, and international research environment. IT:U values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds. The group is involved in international collaborations, providing opportunities for mobility and professional development. The position is based in Linz, Austria, with access to modern facilities and a vibrant academic community. For further information or to apply, visit the university's career portal or contact Dr. David Bancelin at [email protected].

Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U), Austria’s first public interdisciplinary university dedicated to digital transformation, invites applications for three PhD positions in Quantum Information Theory & Experiment. The IT:U Doctoral School PhD Program COMPUTATIONAL X offers a unique opportunity to join a vibrant, international research environment in Linz, Austria, starting October 2026. The program is led by Professor Beatrix Hiesmayr, a principal investigator with extensive experience in academia across multiple countries. The research focus is on next-generation quantum computers, which must handle tens to hundreds of qubits/qudits, entering regimes where current certification methods for multipartite, high-dimensional quantum resources are insufficient. Key challenges include developing scalable benchmarks and theoretical figures of merit for large, high-dimensional systems, maintaining stable calibrations during extensive data acquisition, and harnessing these systems for practical applications such as quantum key distribution and human imaging with high-energy photons. The interdisciplinary team at IT:U spans experimental and theoretical quantum physics, medical applications, and computing. Available projects include: Theoretical quantum information: Develop and analyze theoretical quantities characterizing quantum properties (e.g., entanglement), emphasizing experimental implementability and validation. High-energy photons for applications: Extract information from experiments and explore how these insights can be leveraged for medical applications. Orbital angular momentum (OAM) entangled multipartite photons: Conduct experimental research involving OAM-entangled states, including hands-on laboratory work. PhD students will conduct research, write and publish scientific papers, attend conferences, collaborate with other research groups, contribute to academic teaching (up to 2 weekly credit hours), support third-party funding applications, and comply with academic standards and ethical guidelines. The program structure includes focused group work, research lab modules, and Project Integrated Courses (PICS) in the first year, followed by thesis development, interdisciplinary seminars, and project assistant work over the next three years. The program concludes with thesis submission and defense after four years. Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a master's in physics, mathematics, computer science, or related fields. Required skills include basics in quantum physics, programming, computational modeling, independent and team work, and strong English communication (CEFR C1 or equivalent). Motivation for teaching and outreach projects is desirable. IT:U offers innovative working conditions, an office kitchen with complimentary supplies, and the Austrian KlimaTicket OÖ for unlimited public transport within Upper Austria. The gross salary is EUR 2,832.10 per month (30h/week), with optional supplementary contracts for teaching or research up to 10 hours. International mobility and exchange are encouraged, with opportunities for short stays at collaborating institutions in Europe, North America, and Asia. To apply, submit your application via the online form, including your CV, diplomas, transcripts, motivational letter (max. 2 pages), and up to three contacts for recommendations. The positions remain open until filled, with a final deadline of 30 April 2026. Early applications are encouraged as review is rolling. IT:U values diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. For further information, contact Bettina Mairhofer (Teamlead for Student Administration) at [email protected] .

Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U), Austria’s first public interdisciplinary university dedicated to digital transformation, invites applications for three PhD Student positions in Quantum Information Theory & Experiment. These positions are part of the IT:U Doctoral School PhD Program COMPUTATIONAL X and are based in Linz, Austria, with a start date in October 2026. The program is led by Principal Investigator Professor Beatrix Hiesmayr and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to next-generation quantum computing research. The research focuses on advancing quantum computers capable of handling tens to hundreds of qubits/qudits, addressing challenges such as scalable certification of multipartite, high-dimensional quantum resources, stable calibrations during extensive data acquisition, and practical applications including quantum key distribution and medical imaging with high-energy photons. The interdisciplinary team spans experimental and theoretical quantum physics, medical applications, and computing, fostering a collaborative environment with worldwide connections. Available projects include: Theoretical quantum information: Developing and analyzing theoretical quantities characterizing quantum properties (e.g., entanglement), emphasizing experimental implementability and validation. High-energy photons for applications: Extracting information from experiments and exploring medical applications. Orbital angular momentum (OAM) entangled multipartite photons: Conducting experimental research involving OAM-entangled states, including hands-on laboratory work. PhD students will conduct research, write and publish scientific papers, attend conferences, collaborate with other research groups, contribute to academic teaching (up to 2 weekly credit hours), support third-party funding applications, and comply with academic standards and ethical guidelines. The program structure includes a focused first year with group work, lab modules, and Project Integrated Courses (PICS), followed by three years of thesis development, interdisciplinary seminars, and project assistant work, culminating in thesis submission and defense. Applicants must hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, mathematics, computer science, or related fields, possess basics in quantum physics, programming skills, and computational modeling, and demonstrate independent work, team orientation, and strong English communication skills (CEFR C1 or equivalent). Required application materials include a CV, diplomas, transcripts, motivational letter (max. 2 pages), and up to 3 contacts for recommendations. IT:U offers innovative working conditions in an international research environment, complimentary office kitchen supplies, and the Austrian “KlimaTicket OÖ” for unlimited public transportation within Upper Austria. The gross salary is EUR 2,832.10 per month (30h/week), with optional supplementary contracts for teaching or research up to 10 hours. The positions remain open until filled, with the application deadline on 30.04.2026. Diversity and inclusion are strongly promoted. For further information or questions, contact Bettina Mairhofer (Teamlead for Student Administration) at [email protected] . Apply online via the application portal: https://career.it-u.at/register/82198?referrer=AcademicPositions .

Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U) is advertising 3 PhD positions in Quantum Information Theory and Experiment within the Computational X PhD program , under Founding Professor Beatrix Hiesmayr . The research group works at the intersection of quantum physics , computing , and real-world applications. The advertised topics include theoretical quantum information and the characterization of quantum resources such as entanglement , as well as experimental work with orbital angular momentum (OAM) entangled photons . The post also mentions high-energy photons and possible medical imaging use cases, indicating a strong applied and interdisciplinary focus. This is a PhD opening, not a scholarship announcement. The post does not provide detailed funding information, but it clearly states that multiple PhD positions are available. No specific requirements are listed beyond interest in the research area and fit with the interdisciplinary program. Deadline: 2026-04-30. How to apply: Use the application link provided in the post and review the research group page for more details about the open positions and research direction.