The CERN Theoretical Physics Department (CERN-TH) is seeking candidates for two Limited Duration (up to 5 years) research staff positions in the context of CERN’s new Next Generation Triggers Project (NGT), supported by a grant from the E&W Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation.
One position is dedicated to the development and deployment of improved algorithms for Lattice QCD (LQCD) on novel HPC hardware, while the other position is dedicated to the development and deployment of novel quantum-simulation algorithms. We are looking for outstanding theoretical physicists who can also connect these activities to the group’s existing research activities in particle physics and related areas.
The successful candidates are expected to report on their work towards fulfilling specific work packages on a regular basis, and to be active and communicate within the wider range of NGT activities.
Core objectives for LQCD:
- develop and employ LQCD benchmarking software as core element of the procurement of low-latency/high-bandwidth parallel computing resources for NGT’s neural-network optimisation, training and physics simulation (e.g. LQCT) activities
- develop improved gauge-evolution and solver algorithms for LQCD
- develop improved variance-reduction algorithms for hadronic observables in LQCD
Core objectives for Quantum Simulation:
- quantum simulations on classical hardware
- develop tensor network algorithms for quantum many-body problems
- develop and deploy quantum circuit simulations for large systems O(100) qubits
- develop quantum machine learning models for trigger applications
- prototype tensor network simulations on FPGA using hls4ml
Both positions will involve activities within co-development partnerships with experts in the EP and IT Departments of CERN, as well as with academia and industry to accelerate the achievement of the objectives.
Qualifications:
PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of theoretical physics or a related field.
Experience:
- Demonstrated post-doctoral research activities which have led to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals;
- Evidence of ability to make significant contributions to the work of the Organization.
Technical competencies:
- Knowledge and application of computational and mathematical physics;
- Knowledge and application of particle physics, phenomenology;
- Thorough knowledge of theoretical physics;
- Proven track record in algorithm development for LQCD and/or quantum computing.
Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to its success.
Applications links:
The Applications’ deadline is 31 January 2024.
For further details, please contact th.ld.staffsearchATcern.ch