PhD Position in Chemistry (University of Amsterdam)

Reference number: 15197 Salary: €3,059 – €3,881 Working hours: 38 hours Closing date: 20-07-2026 Vacancy Overview 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. Apply Working at the UvA 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 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 (thesis projects, internships, publications) This is what we offer you A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (initial 18-month contract, extended after evaluation to a total of 4 years). Preferred starting date is September 2026 (to be discussed). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). An educational plan will be drafted, including courses and (international) meetings. Teaching assistance in undergraduate and master’s courses is expected. 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 applies. The ‘30% ruling’ may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands applies. Your place at the UvA You will work in this team The Faculty of Science has around 8,000 students and 1,800 staff members. The group connects three complementary research environments: HIMS computational chemistry group Informatics Institute / Computational Science Lab QuSoft quantum information community Together, these create an interdisciplinary environment spanning molecular science, computational modelling, and quantum technology. About the University of Amsterdam The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. It has around 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. It is an intellectual hub founded in 1632. Important Information Applications should include: CV (with months for education/work history; include publications if any) Motivation letter (one page) MSc transcript and course descriptions relevant to the application Names and email addresses of two referees Applications must be submitted by 20 July 2026. Contact: Stefano Polla ([email protected]) If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

Reference number: 15197
Salary: €3,059 – €3,881
Working hours: 38 hours
Closing date: 20-07-2026

Vacancy Overview

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.

Apply

Working at the UvA

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 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 (thesis projects, internships, publications)

This is what we offer you

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (initial 18-month contract, extended after evaluation to a total of 4 years). Preferred starting date is September 2026 (to be discussed). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). An educational plan will be drafted, including courses and (international) meetings. Teaching assistance in undergraduate and master’s courses is expected.

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 applies. The ‘30% ruling’ may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands applies.

Your place at the UvA

You will work in this team

The Faculty of Science has around 8,000 students and 1,800 staff members.

The group connects three complementary research environments:

HIMS computational chemistry group
Informatics Institute / Computational Science Lab
QuSoft quantum information community

Together, these create an interdisciplinary environment spanning molecular science, computational modelling, and quantum technology.

About the University of Amsterdam

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. It has around 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. It is an intellectual hub founded in 1632.