PhD Research Fellow position in Mathematics

About the position We invite applications for a PhD Research Fellow position in Mathematics, available at the Department of Mathematics, as part of QSTAR – Centre for quantum computing and applications. Starting date as soon as possible and no later than 01.04.2027. The fellowship period is three years. A fourth year may be considered, and it will involve 25 % of other career-promoting work. Other career-promoting work may consist of teaching, supervision, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualifications of the applicant and the current needs of the department. No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo. Place of work is Department of Mathematics/QSTAR at Blindern, Oslo. Job description The position is affiliated with QSTAR - Centre for Quantum Computing and Applications. QSTAR is a five-year research centre funded by the Research Council of Norway (project number 361617) and hosted and led by SINTEF. It brings together researchers at SINTEF, UiO, NTNU, OsloMet and Simula Research Laboratory, with international partners at the University of Copenhagen and RISE in Sweden. The centre connects four research work packages: fault tolerance and error correction; compilation and Hamiltonian engineering; foundations of quantum algorithms; and quantum algorithms for applications. Together, they address how quantum information can be protected, how algorithms can be implemented, and where quantum computation may offer advantages, particularly in chemistry and optimisation. PhD candidates become part of a research community spanning mathematics, physics, chemistry and optimisation. The centre’s programme includes seminars, PhD schools, annual retreats and conferences, alongside opportunities for international exchange and collaboration across partner institutions. Learn more about the centre’s research, people and activities on the QSTAR website The position is advertised within work package 1 “Fault-tolerance and error correction”. More specifically, the successful candidate will work on theoretical questions in one of the following two projects. The first project studies questions in the fields of quantum groups and tensor categories, with a particular focus on possible applications to fault-tolerant quantum computation through the paradigm of topological quantum computation. We also aim to develop and extend connections between these fields and quantum information science in a broad sense, beyond fault-tolerance. The second project is concerned with employing methods of group theory, representation theory and operator algebras to construct new families of quantum codes with improved performance and novel features. Another core task in the second project will be to study various families of quantum channels from the perspective of quantifying noise. The PhD Fellow will join the Operator Algebra group in Section 6 at the Department of Mathematics, where the work will be conducted in close collaboration with other members of the QSTAR project. The PhD Fellow will: • Look for application of the theory of tensor category and quantum groups to problems related to topological quantum computation. • Look for connections between quantum information theory and noncommutative geometry through studying quantum channels as noise models. • Work in close collaboration with researchers in operator algebras and quantum information theory. • Join a research group with broad expertise in mathematics, quantum chemistry, and theoretical physics. What skills are important in this role? The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials. Required qualifications: • Master’s degree or equivalent in Mathematics or Physics. Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system • Relevant experience in operator algebras, representation theory, or quantum information theory • For applicants with an MSc in Physics, a solid mathematical component in their education is required. • Fluent oral and written communication skills in English. Candidates without a master’s degree have until 31.03.2027 to complete the final exam. Desired qualifications: • Documented, sound knowledge of one or more of the following topics: C*-algebras, noncommutative geometry, representation theory and its applications to quantum groups, quantum field theory, quantum information theory • Fluent oral and written communication skills in a Scandinavian language Language requirement: • Good oral and written communication skills in English • English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements: https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8 Grade requirements: The norm is as follows: • The average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system • The average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system • The Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system For more information see: The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.  What are we looking for in you? Personal skills: • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team • Ability to work precise in a structured manner and swiftly adapts to new tasks • Good communication and collaboration skills • Positive attitude and the ability to handle hectic periods Employment in the position is based on a comprehensive assessment of all qualification requirements applicable to the position, inc