PHD POSITION IN QUANTUM AND QUANTUM-INSPIRED ALGORITHMS AT HAMBURG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (TUHH)
The Institute of Algorithms and Complexity at TUHH: Hamburg University of Technology (www.algo.tuhh.de) in Hamburg, Germany offers an exciting opportunity to work as a PhD student at the forefront of algorithms/optimization and quantum computing.
The successful candidate will research algorithms --- both quantum and quantum-inspired --- for discrete/combinatorial optimization problems, mathematical programming, algorithmic game theory, or related field. We provide close supervision and support by a panel of established professors and scientists. Transferable skills and career development are an integral part of the PhD program. The working language of the institute is English.
The position is part of the Hamburg Quantum Computing Project (https://www.physik.uni-hamburg.de/en/iqp/hqc/about-hqc.html), which is co-financed by the European Union. Hamburg offers a vibrant and diverse environment in quantum computing, both on the physics side as well as the software/algorithms side. Indeed, Hamburg is considered the Quantum Innovation Capital (https://www.hqic.de/de/), with an entire academic and industrial ecosystem on quantum computing. Thus, there are many opportunities for academic and industrial transfer at the forefront of the quantum computing revolution.
This is a full-time position (100%) which comes with an employment contract for 3 years and social security. The salary of the position is determined according to level TV-L E-13 of the German public sector. The exact amount of salary depends on experience, family circumstances, tax classification and other factors. Travel funding is available, for attending conferences and workshops, and visiting other researchers.
The successful candidate will join the TUHH Institute for Algorithms and Complexity (www.algo.tuhh.de), whose research covers a broad spectrum of algorithmic research; this includes algorithmic game theory, combinatorial optimization, approximation and parameterized algorithms, and applications in operations research and discrete mathematics. The Institute for Algorithms and Complexity at TU Hamburg currently hosts several international researchers, so English is used on a daily basis as a working language.
The institute is located in the newly built Hamburg Innovation Port (www.hamburg-innovation-port.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/01-HIPtuhhlogowasser_web.jpg), which is located right at the Harburg harbour with great views of the harbour and Hamburg's famous opera house (Elbphilharmonie). Several other computer science institutes of the TU Hamburg are located in the area, as well as DASHH - Data Science in Hamburg, the Helmholtz Graduate School for the Structure of Matter, and the German Air and Space Research Center (DLR). They are all located in the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, which is Germany's second largest city, home to a population of about 1.8 million people. The city is famous for its wide offers of entertainment, culture and attractions, with several universities and much research in algorithms.
Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) is one of the leading technical universities in Germany, with almost 10,000 students in various engineering subjects. It is part of Germany's national Strategy of Excellence. Its goal is to develop Technology for Humanity. For its staff, it offers several attractive benefits, including a sports centre on campus, family-friendly working hours, healthy campus initiatives, and German classes for internationals.
An excellent Masters degree --- either already obtained or to be completed soon --- in (Applied) Mathematics, Computer Science, Operations Research, Engineering or related field is required. Affinity with optimization, algorithms, or discrete mathematics is preferred. In particular, background in algorithms and complexity, or mathematical optimization is appreciated. Programming experience is considered a plus.
Interested individuals should submit their applications by 8 June 2025. For a full job description and details on how to apply see https://www.tuhh.de/algo/jobs/phd-positions.
Hamburg University of Technology regards diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to employment equity and accessibility for all employees. As such, we encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, members of diverse gender identities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. In Hamburg, you will have the opportunity to work across disciplines and collaborate with an international community of scholars and a diverse student body.
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Prof. Dr. Matthias Mnich
TU Hamburg
Institute for Algorithms and Complexity
www.algo.tuhh.de
