Postdoctoral Fellow in Quantum Information Theory and Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computation at Simula UiB (Bergen)
Simula UiB· Bergen·
Job description
Simula UiB (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 demonstrate the potential to conduct original research. You must also have good interpersonal skills and a willingness to contribute to Simula UiB’s collaborative and inclusive working environment.
The Simula group deeply values diversity and equal opportunity. We currently employ approximately 185 individuals from 41 countries and strive to cultivate an empowering, family-friendly, and supportive workplace. We actively encourage women and underrepresented groups in STEM to apply. The webpage (simula.no/simula-culture) provides more in-depth information about Simula culture.
Simula UiB offers:
- Excellent opportunities for conducting high-quality research, as part of a highly competent and motivated team of researchers.
- An informal, inclusive and international working environment.
- Support for travel and opportunities to build international networks.
- Modern office facilities located at Marineholmen in the city centre of Bergen.
- A competitive salary; starting salary from NOK 595 000.
- Numerous employee benefits, including access to a company cabin, sponsored social events, an equipment budget, and a comprehensive travel/health insurance policy.
- Professional development and researcher training opportunities (seeSimula Academy).
- Relocation assistance, including complimentary Norwegian language courses.
- Flexible working arrangements promoting wellness and work-life balance, including the possibility of up to 2 days of home office per week.
- Dedicated mentorship networks, leadership development, and peer support tailored for early-career researchers in STEM.
Application
Interested candidates should provide:
- Cover letter outlining the motivation for applying and how their expertise could contribute to the proposed research. Applicants are encouraged to explain how their expertise could contribute to fault-tolerant quantum computation. Relevant connections to finite-blocklength information theory and the effects of degeneracy on decoding quantum error-correction codes may also be discussed.
- Curriculum Vitae, summarising educational background and relevant work experience.
- Academic transcripts for the undergraduate and master’s studies
- A copy of relevant research work that the candidate may have worked on (e.g., PhD thesis, academic articles).
- Contact information of two referees, including the PhD supervisor(s).
The application deadline is 25 November 2026. Applications will be screened continuously, and we may conclude recruitment as soon as we find the right candidate.
The planned starting date is 1 April 2027; the exact starting date will be agreed with the successful candidate.
Contact
For additional enquiries about this position, please contact Hsuan-Yin Lin (lin@simula.no)
For administrative enquiries about this position, please contact bergen@simula.no
About Simula and Norway
Simula UiB AS is a research institute owned by Simula Research Laboratory AS and the University of Bergen (UiB). It collaborates closely with leading universities in Norway and abroad, both in terms of research and education of master’s and PhD students. Our mission is to create positive societal impact by strengthening cybersecurity and digital resilience through cutting-edge research in cryptography and information theory.
Simula UiB provides an ambitious and internationally oriented research environment, with a strong focus on high-quality fundamental and applied research, international collaboration, and long-term scientific impact. In the recent EVALMIT research evaluation conducted by the Norwegian Research Council, Simula UiB was rated “internationally outstanding in terms of research output and very good to excellent in terms of collaboration with industry and public sector partners.”
Simula Research Laboratory AS is a publicly owned research lab that conducts Information and Communication Technology (ICT) research in the fields of scientific computing, software engineering, communication systems, machine learning and cyber security. Simula's main objective is to create knowledge about fundamental scientific challenges that are of genuine value to society. This is achieved through high-quality research, education of graduate students, industry collaboration, technology transfer, and commercialisation. Since 2001, scientific evaluations conducted by the Research Council of Norway have repeatedly placed Simula at the forefront of international research in ICT. In 2025, a new evaluation ranked Simula the highest of all Norwegian research institutions regarding impact and publication quality (p.14 in forskningsradet.no
Norway is famous for its outdoor scenery, with gorgeous fjords, waterfalls and mountain ranges. Moreover, Norway is a safe and peaceful country with a thriving economy, offering a high standard of living and all the benefits of a social-democratic welfare state, such as social security and universal public healthcare.
Learn more about Norway: Official travel guide to Norway
Simula UiB uses Semac’s background check in our recruitment process. Employment for this position will be made according to the Security Act and the Act relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who, by assessment of the application and any attachments, are considered to conflict with these will not qualify for this position. Candidates who may be eligible for a security clearance in Norway will be prioritised.
If you have been funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN) in a previous postdoctoral position, you cannot apply for this job. RCN funding can only be granted for one period.
According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.
Why work at Simula UiB
- Culture: “An environment where respect, diversity, curiosity, and science are cherished.” Offers social events such as hiking, skiing trips, sauna visits, and movie theatre outings simula‑uib.com.
- Work policy: Not explicitly stated, but the institute is based in Bergen, Norway, with researchers also located in Estonia and Germany (LinkedIn data). Likely a mix of on‑site and collaboration across locations.
- Notable perks: Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge cryptography and quantum technologies, close supervision by leading researchers, and a strong focus on work‑life balance with outdoor activities.
- Engineering culture: Research‑oriented, with emphasis on open publication, international collaboration, and mentoring of junior researchers. Postdoctoral positions are project‑based with clear goals (e.g., FHE projects PREMAL and SECSHARE) simula‑uib.com/open‑positions.