PhD - Quantum computing and AI

Dublin, Ireland
Full Time
Postgraduate Studentships & Internships
Experienced
PhD - Quantum computing and AI
Contract : Full Time/Fixed Term


We are seeking a highly motivated and talented individual with a strong background in quantum computing, AI, or a related field for a PhD project in close collaboration with Dell.

Tyndall National Institute is leading European National Research Lab, at University College Cork. It is performing breakthrough research in photonics, electronics, micro/nanotechnology and smart systems to deliver innovative solutions to world needs. Leveraging from a range of proprietary technology platforms, world class human capital, with a €250M research infrastructure, Tyndall is delivering the next-generation technologies for in ICT, Health, Energy, Foodagri and Environment.

Part of Tyndall’s ambitious ‘Deep Tech ICT’ strategy, which is a core research activity of Tyndall, we are working with world-leading industrial partners in ICT (information & communications technology). Tyndall Wireless Communications Laboratory Dublin was setup up in 2021, led by Professor Holger Claussen originally from Nokia Bell Labs, joined by Dr. Lester Ho and Dr. Senad Bulja. The lab focuses on 5 research areas: Future RF, Future Access, Future Protocols, Future AI and Future Quantum. This project falls under Future AI/Quantum.
In collaboration with Dell's CTO Advanced R&D office in Ireland, we are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to contribute to a fully-funded project that aims to push the boundaries of research in quantum computing and AI, and their integration with smart systems in the future. This project is part of a larger initiative by Dell to develop and leverage quantum computer simulators on PowerEdge server clusters, and to validate and compute on real quantum computers in partnership with Tyndall National Institute.

The successful candidate will work will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research in quantum computing and AI, closely with a team of industry experts from Dell Ireland and a global team of Dell experts from other locations with extensive expertise in AI, mathematics, networking, edge/quantum computing, and post-quantum cryptography.

The project will provide the candidate with a comprehensive research experience, including access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment, as well as collaboration with a global team of industry experts. The candidate will also have the opportunity to present their research at international conferences and to publish their results in top-tier academic journals.

The candidate should have excellent research skills, including the ability to design and conduct experiments, collect and analyse data, and draw meaningful conclusions. The candidate should also have excellent communication skills, including the ability to write research papers, present research results, and collaborate with a global team of researchers with diverse backgrounds.

If you are a motivated and talented individual with a passion for research in quantum computing and AI, we encourage you to apply for this fully-funded PhD project. We look forward to receiving your application and to working with you to drive innovation in this exciting field.

Responsibilities
The candidates will be required to
  • Work under the direction of the Principal Investigator/Project Leader and maintain close links to our industrial partner;
  • Review the state-of-the-art Quantum computing and ML/AI, and compile review documents on these topics;
  • Create novel AI/ML based solutions for automatically for automatically creating quantum computer programs, in close collaboration with our industry partner.
  • Investigate the feasibility integrating these solutions in commercial communication/computing systems developed by our industry partner;
  • Prepare research papers for publication in scientific journals and conferences;
  • Engage in training and professional development opportunities as required;
  • Carry out administrative work to support the program of research and ensure all project deliverables and milestones are achieved in a timely manner.
  • Report results to team leaders, commercial partner and funding agencies;
  • Participate in consortium meetings, conferences, workshops and outreach events;
  • To perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
Academic/Educational Requirements
Applicants must have a Masters or 1H Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. computer science, electrical/electronic engineering, physics), ideally with experience in related areas such as machine learning. Willingness to adapt to a multidisciplinary field is essential. High levels of initiative, self-management, achievement-orientation, and motivation are encouraged.

Desirable requirements
  • MSc, MEngSc, or equivalent postgraduate qualification;
  • 1-2 years academic or industry experience in areas such as quantum computing or machine learning
  • Prior experience of working with/in industry, scientific paper writing, conference presentation and report writing;
  • A demonstrated capability in the delivery of research projects at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
Skills and Experience
This is an exciting project in a fast-moving, industrially relevant area.  Reporting to the team leader of the research activity, the candidate will take a hands-on role, and will be responsible for the day-to-day execution of the technical research tasks outlined above. Scientific dissemination (preparation of regular internal reports, journal and conference publications, and industrial liaison) is an integral part of the position. Part of the experimental work may take place at the facilities of our industrial partner, and some local and international travel may also be expected.

In return, the position provides the opportunity to develop innovative solutions for wireless communication challenges, as well as to gain valuable industry experience in the design, optimization and testing of next-generation communications systems. The studentship is fully funded and comes with monthly stipend and fees, as well as a budget for consumables, travel, and publication charges. The successful candidate will experience the excitement of working with high-profile industry on emerging technologies and will have the opportunity to build the career profile associated with presentation at international conferences, workshops and industry meetings, and publication of the research in high impact journals.

The duration of the project is 48 months at an annual salary of €30,000.

This is a fulltime Postgraduate student opportunity, with the successful candidate initially registering as a Masters student and transferring to a PhD program subject to a review process at approximately 12 months.

For further information, informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Prof. Holger Claussen.

Closing date of applications is 1pm on 25th July 2025

Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria for this role.


Postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency as per UCC regulations (https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/). Certificates should be valid (usually less than 2 years old) and should be uploaded with their application.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.

The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

 
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