Deadline: 31 March 2026
Ref: IA/26/8
Background
Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste is an international multidisciplinary research center offering international users access to synchrotron and free-electron laser radiation for the characterization and processing of matter. The extremely high quality of the light sources and beamlines has set new performance records and has been producing results of great scientific and technological interest. In order to allow the laboratory to remain competitive in the next 20 years, an entirely new synchrotron radiation source - Elettra 2.0 - belonging to the new generation of storage rings (DLSR or Diffraction Limited Storage Ring) is being installed and will join the already operating free-electron laser (FEL) source FERMI in the second half of 2026. The new source will exhibit a major increase in the brilliance and coherence fraction of the photon beams. The Elettra 2.0 optics is based on our enhanced symmetric six bend achromat structure (S6BA-E) with a 12-fold symmetry and an emittance of 200 pm-rad at 2.4 GeV. The new structure creates also straight sections in the arcs permitting the installation of additional insertion devices, thus increasing the number of beamlines. Existing beamlines are being upgraded and new beamlines constructed to take full advantage of the characteristics of Elettra 2.0. See http://www.elettra.eu for more information.
Beamline / Project / Activity description
The QUASAR FVG project, funded by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region following the FSC - 44620/25 GRFVG call for proposals (September 30, 2025), CUP: D93C25001400001, aims to develop innovative solutions to address the problem of scalability of quantum computing and simulation platforms based on neutral atoms, helping to consolidate the role of Friuli Venezia Giulia as a national and international reference point in quantum technology research. The integrated approach—which combines experimental development, numerical simulations, and advanced algorithm design—will create a coherent framework between hardware, theoretical models, and application protocols, facilitating the validation and benchmarking of quantum protocols. Thanks to the collaboration between universities, research centers, and centers of excellence already present in the area, the project will strengthen the attractiveness of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region as a competitive scientific and technological ecosystem open to future industrial synergies. With the involvement of six institutions with cross-cutting expertise (University of Trieste, SISSA, University of Udine, CNR-INO, CNR-IOM, Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste), QUASAR-FVG aims to strengthen the region's national and international positioning in the field of quantum computing, contributing to scientific and technological growth in the area at a key moment for the development of quantum technologies.
The Scientific and Quantum Computing (SciQC - quantum.elettra.eu) team at Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste is a multidisciplinary R&D unit within the IT Group focused on advancing computational methods for synchrotron, free-electron laser (FEL), and related scientific challenges. SciQC combines expertise in mathematics, numerical algorithms, high-performance computing, data analysis and visualization, computational imaging and spectroscopy, AI and compressive sensing, and quantum computing to develop robust solutions that bridge theoretical frameworks with real experimental data and workflows. The team drives innovation in algorithm design, GPU-accelerated computing, and quantum-ready methodologies applicable to complex scientific problems across the experimental portfolio of Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste.
Job description
The successful candidate will contribute to the design of algorithms, their performance evaluation, and cross-validation on experimental hardware and high-performance classical simulations, working at the interface between quantum theory, numerical methods, and large-scale scientific data analysis. The position is not limited to quantum computing and includes a substantial component of traditional scientific computing, as required by the everyday operation of the facility.
Qualifications
A Ph.D. in Physics, Computing, Engineering or related field is required together with the following technical skills and knowledge:
- Computational methods for data analysis
- Quantum Computing theory (e.g., QC algorithms)
- Practical Quantum Computing (e.g., Qiskit)
- Software development in Linux
The following skills would be considered an asset:
- Proven experience with QC SDKs like Qiskit, PennyLane, or Cirq
- Experience with scientific computing in research institutions
- Experience with QC algorithms (ie. QAOA, VQE, Grover’s)
- Published peer-reviewed research
Good time management skills and ability to prioritize are expected, together with the ability to interact with staff and facility users at all levels and to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Good oral and written communication skills in English are essential.
The deadline for the submission of the application is March 31, 2026.
The appointment envisioned is a fixed-term employment contract with a duration of 18 months. A trial period of 3 (three) months is foreseen. The salary will be commensurate with previous experience and qualifications.
Applications must include completed, dated, and signed curriculum vitae, a motivation letter, and the contact details of at least one person who has agreed to provide references.
The ranking of suitable candidates resulting from this selection process may be used within the following 24 months.
Selection interviews may also be conducted via videoconference.
Employees or former employees of Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., as well as current or former personnel provided by temporary work agencies will be excluded from the present selection procedure. Employees or former employees of any Italian Public Entity who have exercised authority over Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. or have negotiated with Elettra - Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. within the last three years will also be excluded from the present selection procedure, in accordance with the provisions of article 21 of the Italian legislative decree no. 39/2013 and in conjunction with article 53 (subsection16ter) of Italian legislative decree no. 165/2001.
We thank all applicants in advance.
For more information, please contact Georgios Kourousias (email: george.kourousias@elettra.eu) or Roberto Pugliese (email: roberto.pugliese@elettra.eu).
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
The structural maturation of the quantum ecosystem currently relies on a specialized research tier capable of bridging the gap between theoretical physics and industrial-scale scientific computing. As quantum hardware modalities like neutral atoms transition through early technology readiness levels, the role of a Postdoctoral Researcher serves as a critical translation point for validating algorithmic performance against classical high-performance computing baselines. This function addresses the systemic bottleneck of algorithm-to-hardware mapping by ensuring that theoretical protocols are resilient enough for deployment on physical processors. Market signals indicate that the ability to synchronize quantum-ready methodologies with existing high-performance computing workflows is becoming a primary determinant for institutional competitiveness. Consequently, this role type is essential for stabilizing the innovation pipeline between abstract academic breakthroughs and scalable industrial applications.
The quantum computing industry is currently navigating a period of rapid technological maturation characterized by the emergence of hybrid classical-quantum architectures and the diversification of hardware modalities. Within this environment, the research domain represents a vital interface where theoretical models are subjected to empirical validation. A persistent gap remains between the availability of noisy, intermediate-scale quantum devices and the requirements for fault-tolerant, large-scale scientific simulation. Addressing this technology readiness level mismatch requires a strategic emphasis on co-developing domain-specific algorithms that can leverage current hardware limitations while preparing for future scalability.
Macro-level analysis of the global quantum workforce reveals that while fundamental research continues to flourish, a critical shortage exists at the intersection of quantum information science and large-scale data analysis. Organizations are increasingly shifting from isolated experiments to integrated research ecosystems that can manage complex interdisciplinary workflows. This transition is driven by the need to harmonize internal development efforts with a fragmented vendor landscape, where diverse hardware providers and software stack developers compete for dominance. Furthermore, the integration of quantum simulators into existing high-performance computing infrastructures has become a national strategic imperative for major economies, favoring the development of modular toolchains.
The capability architecture for this role type centers on the integration of advanced quantum algorithms with established scientific computing principles. At the foundational layer, mastery of algorithmic formulations—specifically those targeting neutral atom or superconducting constraints—is essential for ensuring computational reproducibility and benchmarking against classical baselines. This technical proficiency is coupled with a deep understanding of hybrid workflows, where quantum subtasks are embedded within larger classical pipelines to address specific bottlenecks in characterization or processing. Such capabilities are critical for the structural throughput of quantum research, as they directly influence the stability of high-fidelity models in complex scientific environments.
Accelerates the deterministic progression of technology readiness levels for research-grade quantum simulation applications
Mitigates systemic risks associated with hardware adoption by establishing rigorous benchmarking against high-performance computing
Facilitates the transition from isolated laboratory experiments to standardized scientific quantum-enhanced software solutions
Reduces iteration friction in material characterization pipelines through the integration of quantum-compatible algorithms
Strengthens the long-term competitive positioning of research facilities by securing early-mover expertise in quantum methodologies
Harmonizes abstract scientific research with the practical requirements of complex scalable data analysis architectures
Optimizes the lifecycle of quantum-classical hybrid systems through the development of interoperable software toolchains
Supports the scaling of quantum adoption by identifying high-impact use cases across diverse scientific domains
Shortens the time-to-market for quantum-ready research tools by ensuring infrastructure alignment with hardware roadmaps
Improves the reliability of multi-stakeholder research initiatives through the application of architectural best practices
Protects capital-intensive investments in beamline infrastructure by providing expert technical validation of emerging hardware
Enables the strategic orchestration of development efforts across large-scale global networks of research partners
Industry Tags: Quantum Computing, Neutral Atoms, Algorithm Design, High Performance Computing, Scientific Computing, Technology Readiness Level, Quantum Simulation, Benchmarking
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