2026 Forschungszentrum Julich Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Algorithms for Drug Discovery

The mission of the Institute for Quantum Computing Analytics (PGI-12) is to model and improve quantum computing systems on multiple levels. From optimal control of the hardware, over error mitigation and compilation, to application specific quantum algorithms. We focus working on interfaces between disciplines in large innovative projects that strive for the development of scalable and useful quantum computers. In a tight integration with quantum computer hardware developers, we investigate the applicability of quantum computers towards real-world applications in a hardware-software co-design paradigm.

Your Job:

As part of an interdisciplinary project team with researchers from bioinformatics you will work on quantum algorithms for drug discovery. Here, the focus lies on machine learning and optimization. Together with a dedicated partner from bioinformatics you will first survey pairs of drug discovery application problems and corresponding quantum algorithms, before you focus on promising candidates which are explored in more depth. In particular you will work on

• the extension, development and analysis of new quantum algorithms for near-term and fault tolerant quantum computers for drug discovery
• investigating potential quantum advantage of such algorithms in real-world scenarios (in particular in collaboration with the project partners from bioinformatics)
• the estimation of quantum computing resources for the proposed solutions
• the development of quantum algorithms for the efficient input and output of data sets as they occur in drug discovery
• leading contributions to technical reports and scientific articles
• the supervision of PhD and master students

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineApril 1, 2026
• Study LevelPostdoctoral Fellowships
• SponsorForschungszentrum Julich
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• MEANINGFUL TASKS: The position offers a varied and diverse role in an international environment
• SUCCESSFUL START: It is important to us that you quickly settle into the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our Welcome Days and Welcome Guide: https://go.fzj.de/welcome
• KNOWLEDGE & FURTHER TRAINING: Your professional development is important to us – we provide targeted, individual support
• HEALTH & WELL-BEING: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive occupational health management program with a wide range of offerings - e.g., a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes, and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counseling team are available to assist you on site
• WORK-LIFE BALANCE: Optimal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly company policy. The option of flexible working (in terms of location) is generally available after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments Flexible working time models, including options close to full-time ( https://go.fzj.de/near-full-time ), allow you to tailor your working hours to suit your individual needs
• FAIR REMUNERATION: Depending on your existing qualifications and the tasks assigned to you, you will be classified in pay grade 13-14 of the TVöD-Bund (Collective Agreement for the Public Service). All information on the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed . The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 69 of the PDF download
• PERSPECTIVE: After a 3-year fixed-term contract, our goal is to hire you on a permanent basis. Let`s use this time to find out how well we fit together

Requirements

• Completed academic university degree with subsequent PhD in physics, computer science, mathematics or comparable fields
• Proven research experience in the area of quantum algorithms or quantum information theory
• Good organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently in interdisciplinary teams
• Very good command of written and spoken English (at least B2 level according to the CEFR: https://go.fzj.de/languagerequirements ), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level.
• Ideally good German language skills, both written and spoken
• Ideally experience in software development

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship

Application Deadline

April 1, 2026

How To Apply

Are you qualified and interested in this opportunity? Kindly go to Forschungszentrum Julich on www.fz-juelich.de to apply

For more information, kindly visit FZ Juelich webpage.