The Institute of Materials Physics in Space is one of the leading institutes worldwide in the exploration of fundamental physical properties and the solidification of metallic li­quids, soft matter, and granular systems. In addition to experimental work in the labo­ratory and in microgravity, the institute works on computer simulations and theory to un­derstand the physical phenomena that occur.

The Quantum Computer Initiative is a major project of the German Aerospace Center in the development and use of quantum computers. In the field of materials physics, the initiative aims to lay the foundations for the future effective use of quantum hardware and corresponding algorithms.

Quantum glass states should be useful for the development of novel materials (amorp­hous solids) as well as for the development of effective optimization methods (ener­gy landscapes). For this purpose, established tools in the classical theory of con­den­sed mat­ter are to be extended to quantum phenomena, in particular for the calculation of glassy states and dynamics.

As part of the project you will be responsible for the following tasks:

• analytical and numerical calculations to extend the theory of condensed matter to the quantum domain
• development of quantum computing algorithms suitable for condensed matter problems
• publication of results in scientific journals and presentations at international scientific conferences