Postdoc in Control of Open Quantum Systems and Quantum Optimisation

Postdoc in Control of Open Quantum Systems and Quantum Optimisation Reference: 2026/1300 Department: Department of Electronic Systems Location: Aalborg Deadline: 2026-11-24 Employment hours: Full time

The Department of Electronic Systems at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design invites applications for a postdoc in the field of quantum control theory for quantum algorithms as per January 1st 2027. The position is available for a period of 32 months.

In electronic engineering, Aalborg University is known worldwide for its high academic quality and societal impact. The Department of Electronic Systems employs more than 200 people, of which about 90 are PhD students, and about 40 % of all employees are internationals. In total, it has more than 600 students in its BSc and MSc programs, which are based on AAU's problem-based learning model. The department leverages its unique research infrastructure and lab facilities to conduct world-leading fundamental and applied research within communication, networks, control systems, AI, sound, cyber security, and robotics. The department plays an active role in transferring inventions and results into applications in close collaboration with industrial partners worldwide. You can read more about the department at www.es.aau.dk.

Your work tasks

The position is part of the research project QUANTA – Quantum Control Theory for Quantum Algorithms, funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark. Real quantum computers are open quantum systems: noise and decoherence act on the computation while it runs, so the idealised picture of a sequence of perfect unitary gates acting on an isolated system does not hold in practice. QUANTA therefore regards a quantum program as an open dynamical system, described by Kraus operators in discrete time and by the controlled Lindblad master equation in continuous time, and treats the choice of quantum gates as control decisions. The aim is to use control theory to design quantum algorithms, in particular optimisation algorithms, that are robust to noise and disturbances.

Your main responsibility will be the stability theory of open quantum systems. You will develop stability criteria based on Lyapunov functions, supermartingales and Markov operators for systems described by the Lindblad master equation and by Kraus operators. You will develop Morse theory and a LaSalle invariance principle on this space and study quantum Koopman and Frobenius–Perron operators.

You will also contribute, together with a PhD student on the project, to the work on reach-avoidance of quantum systems and on quantum optimisation: using stability results to analyse the convergence of control-based quantum optimisation algorithms, developing algorithms for semidefinite programming and bilinear problems, and verifying them on a real quantum computer. You will help co-supervise master's students, publish in leading journals and conferences in control and quantum engineering, and have the opportunity for research stays at the project's partner institutions abroad.

Your competencies

You hold a PhD in control engineering, applied mathematics, physics, electrical engineering or a related field. We are looking for a colleague with a strong mathematical background in one or more of the following areas: stability theory of nonlinear or stochastic systems, quantum control or open quantum systems, and optimisation. A publication record that shows your ability to develop rigorous theory is important.

Experience with quantum information or quantum algorithms is an advantage, as is programming experience. Above all, we want someone who is motivated to bridge control theory and quantum computing, enjoys working with others, and wants to contribute to the supervision of younger researchers. You communicate well in English, both orally and in writing.

Qualification requirements

Appointment as postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.

Who we are

The position is hosted by the Learning and Decisions Lab at the Department of Electronic Systems, Aalborg University, led by Professor Rafal Wisniewski. The lab develops theory and algorithms at the intersection of control theory, stochastic systems, optimisation and quantum computing, including stability and safety of stochastic and quantum systems and feedback control of quantum hardware. You will join a team of senior researchers, PhD students and postdoctoral fellows working on related problems, in an informal and international environment with weekly meetings and close day-to-day supervision.

Qualification requirements

Appointment as postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.

How to apply

Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Diplomas (master's degree diploma and PhD diploma)

• List of publications, with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. You may attach a maximum of five publications.

• Documentation of teaching qualifications if relevant.

• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations etc.

• Additional qualifications in relation to the position

• References/recommendations

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Aalborg University has a policy of parallel language use. International staff are encouraged, with support from the university, to learn Danish during their employment in order to support their integration into the workplace and Danish society.

Do you have any questions?

If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information

Read more about our recruitment process here

The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Salary and terms of employment

The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Furthermore, your terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities.

You can find information about the salary and salary structure for the position in the Salary Overview for Recruitment - Scientific positions (VIP). Please refer to the introductory section of the page and the section entitled “Postdoc”.

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world

Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.

Contacts

• Professor Rafal Wisniewski: [email protected] • HR Support : [email protected]

Original reference links: https://www.vacancies.aau.dk/scientific-positions/application-requirements https://www.vacancies.aau.dk/scientific-positions/recruitment-process https://www.en.hr.aau.dk/information-and-guidance/salary/salary-overview-for-recruitment#906fdb1e-4d53-43e7-8571-c8ec65726c96