Amsterdam's quantum research community is growing. The University of Amsterdam and CWI have opened three positions spanning quantum applications in the life sciences, the theory of bosonic quantum computing, and testing and learning algorithms for fault-tolerant quantum computers. Here is an overview of each role and when to apply.

Postdoc in Quantum Computing for Bioinformatics, University of Amsterdam

Closes 31 October 2026

The Biosystems Data Analysis (BDA) group at UvA's Faculty of Science is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to develop and benchmark quantum and hybrid quantum-classical approaches to problems in bioinformatics. The project is one of four seed projects in the Faculty's new Quantum Simulation for Molecular and Material Design (Q-MMD) programme.

The researcher will focus on one or both of two directions: protein structure-based enzyme specificity and biocatalysis, and DNA sequence analysis for microbiome and human-microbiome research. A central part of the work is honest benchmarking: comparing quantum prototypes against strong classical baselines and reporting both opportunities and limitations.

Candidates with a background in either quantum computing or bioinformatics are welcome. The group explicitly does not expect applicants to be experts in both fields from day one. The position is for 18 months (38 hours per week), with a gross monthly salary of €3,706 to €5,760.

Apply via the UvA website →

Postdoc in Characterisation, Learning and Testing of Bosonic Quantum Computers, CWI

Closes 15 November 2026

QuSoft, the Dutch research centre for quantum software based at CWI, is hiring a postdoc to work on the theoretical computer science of bosonic quantum computing. Bosonic systems have advanced quickly in the lab, but theory has lagged behind. This role will address property testing, learning theory and characterisation of bosonic systems, as well as their classical simulation.

The position is part of the QuantERA consortium Batir-le-chat, which brings together researchers from the Netherlands, Germany and France. The appointment is for one year, with an option to extend by 1.5 years, and a gross monthly salary of €4,374 to €5,758.

Questions can be directed to Dr. Jonas Helsen (jonas@cwi.nl) or Dr. Freek Witteveen (f.witteveen@cwi.nl).

Apply via the CWI website →

PhD in Testing and Learning Algorithms for Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computers, CWI

Closes 10 December 2026

As quantum computers scale up, characterising their errors and noise efficiently becomes essential. This PhD position, part of Dr. Jonas Helsen's ERC Starting Grant project EQUATE, focuses on developing and mathematically analysing new testing and learning algorithms and how they interact with quantum error correction.

Possible research directions include:

• testing and learning in the "low-magic" setting

• testing for properties relevant to error correction, such as membership of the Clifford hierarchy

• how logical noise affects learning algorithms

The project offers the chance to take theoretical results toward practical settings, potentially down to real experiments. Candidates need a Master's degree in physics, computer science, mathematics or a related field, along with demonstrated interest in quantum computing. The target start date is 1 March 2027.

Apply via the CWI website →

For all three positions, evaluation of candidates begins immediately, so early applications are encouraged.

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