Simula UiB (https://simula-uib.com) is a research institute in Cryptography and Information Theory located in Bergen, Norway. The Department of Information Theory is seeking an outstanding candidate for a postdoctoral researcher position in quantum information theory and fault-tolerant quantum computation, with a focus on logical operations for quantum low-density parity-check (qLDPC) codes. The position is part of the Research Council of Norway-funded project Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum Error Correction (NISQEC). The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Hsuan-Yin Lin and Eirik Rosnes.
How can logical quantum operations be implemented reliably with limited physical qubits and execution time? The postdoctoral researcher will address this question by developing fault-tolerant protocols for logical gates and logical Pauli-product measurements (PPMs) in qLDPC codes. The research will connect protocol design, syndrome compilation, decoding, and performance analysis to improve reliability and reduce resource overhead.
A central focus will be quantum code surgery, including lattice surgery and algebraic surgery, as a framework for implementing logical measurements and gates under realistic hardware constraints. The work will investigate how protocol design, syndrome-extraction circuits, and decoding jointly determine the fault tolerance and efficiency of these operations.
Performance analysis will examine whether the proposed surgery protocols implement the intended logical operations reliably under noisy conditions. Theoretical analysis and circuit-level simulations will assess logical measurement error rates and the qubit and time overhead required to achieve a target reliability. Particular attention will be given to how auxiliary-code construction, syndrome-extraction circuits, and decoding affect fault tolerance and resource efficiency. Specific analytical and numerical methods will be selected according to the research problem and the candidate’s expertise.
Specific research questions will be developed jointly with the successful candidate. The position offers scope for an independent contribution in protocol design, syndrome compilation, decoding, or performance analysis, while connecting that contribution to the implementation of fault-tolerant logical operations.
Simula UiB currently has 11 early-career researchers working on a range of research problems in cryptography and information theory. We offer a vibrant, inclusive, and collaborative working environment with dedicated mentorship and structured career development support for early-career researchers. The position is for three years, with a planned employment period from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2030.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a candidate with a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Quantum Information Science, or a closely related field. The successful candidate will demonstrate:
A strong publication record in leading journals and international conferences.
Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
The ability to conduct original, independent research through rigorous theoretical analysis, algorithm development, or a combination of both.
Relevant expertise includes quantum error correction, fault-tolerant quantum computation, coding theory, quantum information, or mathematical optimization. Experience with logical-operation protocols, code surgery, syndrome-extraction circuits, decoding, or circuit compilation is particularly relevant. A background in finite-blocklength information theory or the analysis of quantum-code performance is also valuable. Programming skills for algorithm development, quantum circuit simulation, or numerical verification are an advantage. Candidates should explain how their expertise contributes to the research theme; prior experience across all listed topics is not required.
The candidate must be highly motivated, communicate effectively in written and spoken English, and…