Research Collaborator - Nuclear Structure on NISQ Devices (Open)

The Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a project in nuclear structure theory, with an interdisciplinary component exploring quantum computing as a new computational tool. The project targets the determination of nuclear energy levels within the nuclear shell model. Classically, this requires diagonalizing an effective nuclear Hamiltonian in a many-body configuration space whose size grows combinatorially with the number of valence nucleons, limiting standard calculations to light and mid-mass nuclei. The project will explore quantum algorithms on NISQ hardware, which offer the prospect of polynomial scaling in the required resources, potentially extending shell-model calculations to larger valence spaces and heavier isotopes with greater precision.

This has direct implications for nuclear and particle physics: improved shell-model matrix elements are essential for setting limits on the effective Majorana neutrino mass from neutrinoless double beta decay half-life measurements.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in nuclear structure theory (shell-model methods, effective interactions); experience with quantum algorithms is a plus but not required.

• PhD in Physics (nuclear, particle, or closely related field)
• Strong expertise in nuclear structure theory
• Interest in quantum computing algorithms and their application to many-body physics; prior experience is a plus but not required

• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: 2026/08/10

We provide a highly stimulating research environment, and unique professional career development opportunities.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Neutrino Physics Group at DIPC is involved in the development and operation of the NEXT experiment, a neutrinoless double beta decay Xe detector installed in Canfranc, Spain. The group is also involved in Hyper-Kamiokande (large scale neutrino detector to be built in Japan) and in the development of next-generation neutrino detectors to be installed at the upcoming European Spallation Source (Lund, Sweden).

The construction of these instruments involves solving complex scientific, technological, and industrial challenges. The DIPC is currently consolidating a multidisciplinary team that will address these challenges and will coordinate the collaboration with relevant academic and industrial players.

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and a brief statement of interest to the following application email below. 

Reference letters are welcome but not indispensable.

The reference of the specific opening to which the candidate is applying should be stated in the subject line, and the application must be received before the application deadline.

Although candidates are welcome to contact the project supervisors to know further details about the proposed research activity, please be aware that the application will be evaluated only if it is submitted directly to the email address listed below as application email.

• Reference: 2026/36
• Application deadline: 2026/07/31
• Application email: jobs.research@dipc.org

Applications received by the deadline will be evaluated by a Committee designed by the DIPC board on the basis of the following criteria:

• CV of the candidate (40%)
• Adequacy of the candidate’s scientific background to the project (40%)
• Reference letters (10%)
• Other: Diversity in gender, race, nationality, etc. (10%)

Evaluation results will be communicated to the candidates soon after. Positions will only be filled if qualified candidates are found.

The DIPC may revoke its decision if the candidate fails to join by the appointed time, in which case the position will be awarded to the candidate with the next highest score, provided it is above 50 (out of 100).

However, the selected candidate may keep the position if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, the candidate duly justifies the reasons why he or she cannot join before the specified deadline, and as long as the project allows it.

Este contrato es parte del proyecto de I+D+i PID2024-161553NB-C51, financiado por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/ y FEDER/UE.