Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in Quantum Computing for Earth Observation
Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in Quantum Computing for Earth Observation
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Job Description
Location
ESRIN Frascati Italy
Our team and mission
Reporting to the Head of the Explore Office in the ESA Φ-lab you will work in close cooperation with other staff in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
You will be part of the ESA Φ-lab. Our mission is to accelerate the future of Earth observation (EO) by embracing disruptive innovation and acting as a catalyst for disruptive/transformative innovation in the sector.
Our vision is to become an EO innovation hub connecting EO with a growing ecosystem of disruptive and transformative innovation encompassing AI ML quantum computing edge computing metamaterials photonics etc. Many of the challenges posed by new technologies still need to be tackled at the scientific application and capability levels to deliver the maximum value from satellite-derived EO assets for our climate society and economy. The Φ-lab will bring together early career and senior researchers from a variety of disciplines across EO and disruptive/transformative innovation to help develop innovative EO solutions.
We offer:
- a stimulating multinational interdisciplinary and open work environment;
- access to high-performance computing infrastructure and unparalleled EO and technology expertise;
- a unique opportunity to work on innovative solutions to address global challenges;
- the freedom and focus you need to conduct creative research while making an impact on ESAs strategy;
- a wide network of relationships and collaboration with top academia industry and research centres;
- the opportunity to contribute to the Φ-lab strategy and activities.
You areencouraged to visit the ESA website: of activity/research for the traineeship
This fellowship aims to explore the use of quantum computing for Earth observation (EO) applications potentially in combination with artificial intelligence and high-performance computing (HPC) technologies.
In particular you will apply (hybrid) quantum computing solutions to EO use cases for which current classical computing algorithms are NP-hard or in general difficult to implement.
Within your application please provide a research proposal (no more than five pages) answering the following questions:
- What are the EO application(s) that you would like to address
- What are the limitations of current classical algorithms that could be potentially addressed by quantum computing
- What (hybrid) quantum computing solution(s) (hardware software) could address such limitations
Please structure your research proposal highlighting how you plan to capitalise on your previous work and experience.
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In particular you will:
- undertake advanced research activities exploring and expanding the use of disruptive and transformative innovation such as AI ML quantum computing and edge computing to develop new frameworks and solutions. Research may cover a wide range of innovative topics:
- exploration of innovative methodologies and technologies;
- development of novel methods new technology implementations (e.g. ML models) and/or high-level products;
- contribution to the development and curation of open data sets and tools enabling the community to develop its own AI for applications and research.
- support the definition and implementation of rapid prototyping activities research sprints and open challenges of innovative EO solutions addressing upcoming lab activities and wider strategy;
- engage with the innovation ecosystem to promote the uptake of new techniques and capture the latest developments in EO and disruptive/transformative innovation;
- publish the research project outcomes in high-impact journals;
- drive collaboration within the Φ-lab community and ESA internal teams to promote the uptake of these new techniques and solutions;
- contribute to the Φ-lab strategy activities and outreach on disruptive technologies for EO;
- maintain a continuous dialogue with the scientific community including major international programmes and initiatives in the field;
- support the Φ-labs daily activities and research network of ESA Graduate Trainees National Trainees Interns and Visiting Researchers as applicable;
- conduct fundamental research on (hybrid) quantum computing algorithms (e.g. error detection/mitigation techniques quantum/hybrid implementations of AI algorithms novel quantum computing algorithms etc.);
- conduct theoretical studies to identify target EO use cases that could benefit from (hybrid) quantum computing solutions;
- design (novel) possible solutions based on quantum computing algorithms in combination with HPC and AI for the target EO use cases;
- familiarise yourself with various quantum computing hardware technologies and their trade-offs and investigate the feasibility for the implementation of target (hybrid) quantum computing algorithms;
- potentially implement target quantum computing algorithms on quantum computing hardware;
- conduct benchmarking with other innovative computing paradigms (e.g. neuromorphic computing photonics computing etc.);
- support/lead ESA Φ-labs industrial R&D activities related to quantum computing.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
Education
You should have recently completed or be close to completion of a PhD in a related technical or scientific discipline. Preference will be given to applications submitted by candidates within five years of receiving their particular for this position the following is required:
PhD in a relevant field such as computer science quantum physics electronic engineering data science AI machine learning Earth system science climate etc. with a thesis subject relevant to the description of the tasks outlined above.
Additional requirements
In addition to your CV and your motivation letter please prepare a research proposal of no more than 5 pages. This proposal should be uploaded to the additional documents field of the application information section.
You should have:
- Sound theoretical knowledge of quantum computing and computing science; including quantum simulators or emulators;
- Experience with standard quantum computing frameworks such as Qiskit or Pennylane;
- Basic knowledge of HPC;
- Basic knowledge of quantum technologies and quantum computing hardware;
- The ability to think outside the box and explore new avenues with natural curiosity and a passion for new subjects and research areas;
- Proven experience in designing novel quantum computing algorithms;
- Proven experience in implementing quantum computing algorithms on quantum computing hardware or hardware emulators/simulators for target applications (even non-space use cases);
- The interest and ability to share knowledge with other ESA organisational units.
The following would be assets:
- Knowledge of other themes of interest such as EO AI ML ICT revolution technologies and edge computing;
- Experience with general purpose deep learning frameworks such as Tensorflow or PyTorch;
- Record of relevant coding experiences relevant to the job description;
- Experience with HPC tools (e.g. MPI SLURM etc.);
- Knowledge of Earth observation and remote sensing.
Diversity Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender sexual orientation ethnicity religious beliefs age disability or other characteristics.
At the Agency we value diversity and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further please contact us via email at .
Important Information and Disclaimer
During the recruitment process the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment which will be conducted by an external background screening service in compliance with the European Space Agencys security procedures.
The information published on ESAs careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria Belgium Czechia Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Luxembourg the Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia Lithuania and Slovakia as Associate Member States or Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
According to the ESA Convention the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.
*Member States Associate Members or Cooperating States.
Employment Type
Intern
