Quantum Computational Scientist (Machine Learning, Optimisation)
Quantum Computational Scientist (Machine Learning, Optimisation)
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, fixed-term position as a Quantum Computational Scientist with the Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC) at the University of Galway, Ireland.
The position is available immediately to contract end date 31-Dec-2028, with flexibility to work from our Dublin or Galway offices.
Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC)
ICHEC is Ireland’s national centre for High-Performance Computing (HPC) providing digital infrastructure capabilities and expertise through R&D engagements and skills development programmes to academia, industry and public sector organisations. With a highly ambitious leading-edge Strategy for Advanced Computing (HPC, Data, AI, Quantum) in Ireland and Europe, ICHEC provides infrastructure services and expertise in HPC and data platforms to for computational sciences, AI, high performance data analytics, Earth Observation, quantum computing and cybersecurity across several sectors including environmental informatics, life sciences, deeptech/material sciences, urban sciences, and other disciplines.
ICHEC works in close partnership with national and international researchers, enterprises and public authorities for joint R&D, skills development, and provisioning HPC and data services to accelerate their digital transformation and green transition.
For more details about this position, reach out to careers@ichec.ie.
Salary: Research Associate / Postdoctoral Researcher salary scale €46,305 - €59,063 per annum, (subject to the project’s funding limitations), and pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts.
The default position for all new public sector appointments is the 1st point of the salary scale. This may be reviewed, and consideration afforded to appointment at a higher point on the payscale (subject to the project’s funding limitations), where evidence of prior years’ equivalent experience is accepted in determining placement on the scale above point 1, subject to the maximum of the scale.
(Research Salary Scales - University of Galway)
Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on January 5, 2026. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.
Interviews are planned to be held during the w/c January 19, 2026.
*Please review full job description for further details and essential requirement
JOB DESCRIPTION
The successful candidate will join the Quantum-HPC Team at ICHEC to work on national and European projects, particularly the European Quantum Excellence Centre and EuroHPC Quantum-HPC integration projects.
Duties:
The nature of work and duties will span the following areas:
• R&D in quantum-enabled algorithms and software libraries targeting NISQ systems.
• work in close collaboration with European and internal partners in research and industry.
• prepare and deliver relevant training courses to academia, industry and public sector.
• contribute to other quantum computing projects and skills development activities at national and European levels.
• disseminate the outcomes of ICHEC’s work through reports, publications and presentations. This position is for a highly motivated problem-solver, with a creative and analytical mind, who is excited to build new solutions that will have a global impact.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Essential Requirements:
1. A master's degree with at least 4 years of experience, or a Ph.D. in domain related to quantum computing, quantum information processing, or similar (including tutoring, teaching).
2. Experience with some quantum algorithms like: QFT, QPE, Grover, Shor, quantum machine learning or linear systems solvers (e.g., HHL).
3. Exposure to hybrid quantum-classical models and variational circuits on analogue and/or digital quantum computing.
4. Experience in machine learning, including supervised and unsupervised methods, and their applications. Exposure to statistical tools for data interpretation, probability and information theory used for model evaluation. 5. Proficiency in scientific programming, with experience in Python, C++ or similar programming languages. Experience with quantum computing software frameworks such as Qiskit, Cirq, or PennyLane.
Desirable Requirements:
1. Experience applying ML or QML to Earth Observation (EO) data, such as satellite imagery or geospatial data analysis.
2. Experience with quantum optimisation algorithms or methods, such as QAOA, VQE, or quantum annealing.
3. Experience with high-performance and/or cloud computing environments. Familiarity with hybrid computing workflows.
4. Experience with version control systems, CI/CD pipeline and tools.
Continuing Professional Development/Training:
Researchers at University of Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans. University of Galway provides continuing professional development supports for all researchers seeking to build their own career pathways either within or beyond academia. Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon commencing employment - see HERE for further information.
FURTHER INFORMATION/LINKS
TO APPLY: Search Current University of Galway vacancies. Applications must be submitted online. How to apply guide
For informal enquiries, please contact careers@ichec.ie
Working in Research at University of Galway
We reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post.
University of Galway is an equal opportunities employer.
All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment.
