Join us!

In this PhD, you will develop quantum algorithms for the simulation of molecular systems on digital quantum computers. You will study their behaviour analytically and numerically and identify the classes of problems where they can make a genuine scientific difference. Research directions might include identifying new approaches to molecular simulation, adapting existing quantum simulation algorithms to the early fault-tolerant era, and developing machine‑learning and AI‑based strategies to integrate quantum and classical simulation algorithms.

You will join a new interdisciplinary research environment connecting the HIMS computational chemistry group, the Computational Science Lab at the Institute for Informatics, and QuSoft. You will also be part of the national "Quantum Computing for Quantum Chemistry" collaboration (QC2).

The project sits at the interface of quantum computing, chemistry, and computational modelling, and gives you room to help shape a broad, methods-driven research thesis.

This is what you will do

Develop new quantum algorithms relevant to molecular-science problems.
Study the practical behaviour, scaling properties, and limitations of the developed approaches using both analytical and numerical tools.
Connect algorithmic ideas to chemistry-motivated problem settings in collaboration with domain experts.
Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present results at international conferences.
Participate in seminars, reading groups, and collaborative activities within the research team and the QC2 (Quantum Computing for Quantum Chemistry) collaboration.
Assist in teaching activities in BSc and MSc courses.

What we ask of you

You are motivated by cross-disciplinary, collaborative research, and you can lead your part of a project with independence and responsibility. You are proactive in collaborating with experts from different backgrounds to strengthen the work. You enjoy exchanging ideas and contributing to a supportive, intellectually active team culture.

Your experience and profile

MSc in Physics, Theoretical Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related discipline (obtained by the starting date).
Demonstrated preparation in quantum-related topics through courses, projects, or research work.
Demonstrated familiarity with mathematical reasoning, and with theoretical and/or computational research.
Strong written and spoken English skills.

It is a plus if you additionally have one or more of the following:

Research experience in one or more of: quantum algorithms, quantum chemistry, quantum simulation, or strongly correlated systems.
Practical programming experience for scientific computing.
Familiarity with machine-learning methods for scientific data or modelling.
Evidence of research initiative, for example through thesis projects, internships, or publications.

This is what we offer you

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is September 2026, to be discussed. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,059 to € 3,881 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD Candidate is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Curious about our extensive secondary benefits package? You can read more about it here.

You will work in this team

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The group you will join connects three complementary research environments at UvA.
Within HIMS, you will be connected to the computational chemistry group, where computer models are used to answer questions in chemistry and biomolecular systems.
Within the Informatics Institute you will interact with the Computational Science Lab, where computational models of real-life systems are developed across several scientific domains.
Through QuSoft, you will contribute to a broader quantum information, software and technology community.
Together, these settings create an interdisciplinary environment spanning molecular sciences, computational modelling, and quantum technology.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Are you excited about designing the next generation of quantum algorithms and turning them into tools for molecular science? Quantum computing holds the promise to transform the toolset we use to understand molecules and materials. Realizing that promise requires developing, analyzing and optimizing algorithms now, before large-scale quantum devices become available.

Join us!

The project sits at the interface of quantum computing, chemistry, and computational modelling, and gives you room to help shape a broad, methods-driven research thesis.

This is what you will do

Develop new quantum algorithms relevant to molecular-science problems.
Study the practical behaviour, scaling properties, and limitations of the developed approaches using both analytical and numerical tools.
Connect algorithmic ideas to chemistry-motivated problem settings in collaboration with domain experts.
Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present results at international conferences.
Participate in seminars, reading groups, and collaborative activities within the research team and the QC2 (Quantum Computing for Quantum Chemistry) collaboration.
Assist in teaching activities in BSc and MSc courses.

What we ask of you

Your experience and profile

MSc in Physics, Theoretical Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related discipline (obtained by the starting date).
Demonstrated preparation in quantum-related topics through courses, projects, or research work.
Demonstrated familiarity with mathematical reasoning, and with theoretical and/or computational research.
Strong written and spoken English skills.

It is a plus if you additionally have one or more of the following:

Research experience in one or more of: quantum algorithms, quantum chemistry, quantum simulation, or strongly correlated systems.
Practical programming experience for scientific computing.
Familiarity with machine-learning methods for scientific data or modelling.
Evidence of research initiative, for example through thesis projects, internships, or publications.

This is what we offer you

Curious about our extensive secondary benefits package? You can read more about it here.

You will work in this team

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button. We accept applications until and including 20 July 2026.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your CV should be submitted in one single PDF file):

a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience; if you have authored publications or preprints, please include them in your CV;
a letter of motivation (one page);
an MSc transcript, plus a short description of the courses you took that are most relevant for this application;
the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

The UvA attaches great importance to the contribution of female scientists in research and education. We particularly encourage women and candidates from other under-represented groups to apply. We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if you don't meet every requirement.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: national knowledge security guidelines)

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact

Stefano Polla, s.polla@uva.nl .

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PhD in Quantum Algorithms for Chemistry