Quantum chemistry simulation using high-quality atomically engineered quantum processors

Join a world-class team at the cutting edge of technology, focussed on making quantum computers a reality

Collaborate with a diverse, multicultural team across the full stack quantum computer

An exciting opportunity exists for a PhD candidate to undertake a unique academic-industry program involving a collaboration between Silicon Quantum Computing Pty Ltd (SQC), the global leader in the manufacture and measurement of quantum processors engineered with atomic precision, UNSW Sydney, and CSIRO.

This prestigious Next Generation PhD scholarship stands out as it includes 11 weeks of funded coursework focusing on a holistic approach to problem-solving with technology. Diverse topics include deep learning, computer vision, ethics, decision making under uncertainty, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Project Summary

This research project will explore quantum algorithms for solving quantum chemistry and condensed matter problems using SQC’s atom qubits in silicon quantum computing platform. The research will focus on both near-term applications on Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) devices and long-term feasibility studies of fault-tolerant quantum computing for large-scale quantum chemistry and condensed matter simulations. The work will involve implementing and optimizing quantum algorithms, analyzing their performance on real quantum hardware, and determining the ultimate resources required for fault-tolerant scalability.

A key aspect of this project is the development of NISQ algorithms such as the Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) and small-scale Quantum Phase Estimation (QPE) approaches for small-scale quantum chemistry and condensed matter problems. The implementation will take into account the specific constraints of phosphorus-in-silicon architectures, such as gate fidelities and qubit connectivity. Error mitigation strategies will also be explored to improve accuracy and reliability in practical computations.

In addition to studying NISQ applications, this project will investigate how quantum chemistry and condensed matter problems can be mapped onto large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers. This includes analyzing the requirements for logical qubits, quantum gate operations, and execution times within the framework of quantum error correction (QEC). The specific mapping to QEC schemes, such as the surface code, will be evaluated in the context of phosphorus-in-silicon platforms to determine their efficiency and feasibility, and how such algorithms can be optimised for the silicon platform.

The research will also involve benchmarking quantum chemistry and condensed matter calculations on currently available silicon quantum hardware and longer-term fault tolerant platforms and the challenges there. Simulation tools will be developed to predict algorithm performance on both NISQ and fault-tolerant devices, providing insights into the potential advantages of quantum computing for solving and condensed matter problems. The project aims to lay the groundwork for executing and optimizing quantum chemistry and condensed matter algorithms on phosphorus-in-silicon quantum processors, facilitating the transition from NISQ to large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computation.

This position reports to Associate Professor Charles Hill and works alongside the full stack team (staff and students) funded by SQC.

Candidate experience

Candidates for this project should have a background in quantum computing, computational chemistry, or condensed matter physics. Experience with quantum programming frameworks such as Qiskit, or Cirq, as well as classical computational chemistry software like PySCF, would be beneficial. Familiarity with quantum error correction and the constraints of silicon-based qubits is advantageous but not required. This research will contribute to the practical realization of quantum computational chemistry and condensed matter on scalable quantum architectures, leveraging the unique advantages of phosphorus-in-silicon qubits.

About SQC

SQC is an Australian research and development company, with the specific aim of building a quantum computer based on atom qubits in silicon.

SQC is a well-funded Australian company formed by the Commonwealth Government, the New South Wales State Government, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Telstra, and UNSW Sydney.

SQC is seeking to commercialise silicon quantum computing technology developed in Australia – technology that has the potential to have a global impact.

SQC’s work is building on more than 20 years of world-leading research by the Centre of Excellence which includes the development of dedicated manufacturing and measurement techniques for an atom-based quantum computer in silicon.

This role is located at SQC on UNSW Sydney campus.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants must be domestic students as per the Higher Education Support Act at the time of award. Domestic students include:

Australian citizens,

Australian permanent residents,

a person entitled to stay in Australia, or to enter and stay in Australia, without any limitation as to time; or

a New Zealand citizen.

As determined by the Faculty Higher Degree Committee (HDC), the minimum requirement for admission to a PhD at UNSW is:

a Bachelor degree with first or upper second-class Honours, or

a completed Master by Research with a substantial research component and demonstrated capacity for timely completion of a high-quality research thesis.

The PhD application process is available here: https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/hdr/application

Key Requirements

Students must register and complete the coursework component of the Next Generation Graduates Program within the first 18 months of receipt of a scholarship.

Students who receive a scholarship are expected to undertake their training in Australia and endeavour to remain in Australia for two years following completion of their degree.

Remuneration

Stipend rate (p.a.): $41,650

Training (p.a.): $5,000

Travel (total): $5,000

Thesis allowance (total): $840

Contact

[email protected]