Dynamics of Analogue Quantum Simulators

Simulating the time dynamics of a quantum system is a hard problem. Analogue quantum simulators take advantage of the inherent dynamics of a highly controllable quantum system like ultracold atoms in optical lattices or tweezer arrays to solve the problem. This project is about developing computational tools for validating and benchmarking analogue quantum simulators. The successful candidate will implement and research algorithms based on Monte Carlo quantum dynamics and machine learning and benchmark them against state-of-the art tensor product methods.

The project will be hosted by the research group of Professor Joachim Brand at the New Zealand Institute of Advanced Study at Massey University in Auckland and pursued in collaboration with Professor Brendan McCane at the University of Otago and Professor Andrew Daley at the University of Oxford. To support this collaboration, a funded research stay in the UK at the University of Oxford is planned as a part of this project.

We are looking for an academically outstanding candidate who is highly motivated to conduct world-class computational and theoretical research in this rapidly developing field of research. The ideal candidate will have background experience in theoretical physics but candidates with relevant experience in related fields will be considered. Excellent computing and programming skills are essential and experience with the modern programming language Julia will be considered an advantage.

The wider context

The Quantum Technologies Aotearoa (QTA) research programme has been established to capitalise on New Zealand’s fundamental research leadership. Run by Te Whai Ao — Dodd-Walls-Centre, the goal is to foster international collaboration between academia, industry, and governments and to accelerate domestic capability.  

High-profile international quantum technology collaborators include the Joint Quantum Institute (USA), the Centre for Quantum Technologies (Singapore), the German Aerospace Centre and the UK Quantum Technology Hub in Computing and Simulation. In the face of a global skills shortage in the field, the programme will help to train the next generation of New Zealand quantum scientists. 

The Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies is a national Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE)and a world-class organisation which builds on Aotearoa-New Zealand’s (NZ) internationally acknowledged strength in the fields of quantum optics, photonics, ultracold atomic gases, and precision atomic physics. Photonics, the manipulation of the quantum building blocks of light, and the precision control of matter at the atomic scale through the use of light, underpin technological development in areas such as computing, advanced sensing technologies and medical imaging, and communication.

The Dodd-Walls Centre, hosted by the University of Otago, involves six universities in NZ. Your PhD project while based at one institution will allow you to collaborate with researchers from across the Centre. 

The Dodd-Walls Centre mission

• To solidify our position as a Research Centre that is recognised as one of the world’s leading organisations in the field of photonic and quantum technologies,
• To train and develop skilled staff and students to the highest international standards,
• To capitalise upon the international investment in quantum and optical sciences for the benefit of New Zealand,
• To support the rapidly growing high-tech industry sector, thus ensuring New Zealand’s economic diversification and providing career pathways for the outstanding people that we train,
• To provide support for New Zealand’s climate action through improved environmental measurement and monitoring, and,
• To ensure that the benefits of advances in science and technology, especially in photonics and quantum technologies, are available to all.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must meet the Massey University entry requirements for admission to a PhD. Award of the scholarship is conditional on the university accepting your enrolment. The successful applicant will be guided through the process of formally applying for admission.

This is an interdisciplinary project so applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds will be considered. Applications should have strong undergraduate knowledge in some of these areas:

science or engineering especially physics, mathematics or computer science. Projects will include components of data processing and machine learning or optical designs.

This project is based in Auckland, New Zealand and is available for immediate start.

How to apply

To express your interest in this scholarship and PhD research opportunity, please prepare the following items:

• A brief CV including qualifications, academic achievements, list of publications, work history, and references.
• A copy of your academic transcript(s).

Please submit your application via email to the main supervisor of this project Joachim Brand (j.brand@massey.ac.nz) who will guide you through the scholarship application process.

Funding Notes

The successful applicant will receive a PhD scholarship stipend and domestic tuition fees will be paid. The stipend is for three years. The scholarship is tax-free.

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