IT:U is a new technical university in Austria (Linz) dedicated to digital transformation, driven by interdisciplinary research and project-based learning to actively shape this transformation and advance it with a solution-oriented approach.

Full-Time | Up to 4 years | On-site in Linz (AT) | Start Date: 1. April 2026

Your tasks and responsibilities:

FIELD OF RESEARCH AND SCOPE:

The new upcoming quantum technology platforms need to handle tens or even hundreds of qubits/qudits which enters regimes where the existing methods for certifying bipartite high dimensional quantum resources and/or multipartite quantum resources no longer scale. One of the main challenges are the absence of benchmarks, theoretical quantities, that characterize the system properties and behave well in high dimensional large systems and the difficulty of maintaining stable calibration while collecting vast amounts of measurement data. Another main challenge is to exploit those systems for secure key distribution and other applications.

The group around Prof. Hiesmayr will build up a photonic platform with structured entanglement, namely OAM (orbital angular momentum) and polarization entangled photons. This will need a trained person in resource theory, namely with a focus on PPT-entanglement and tools like (nonlinear) entanglement witnesses to detect either separability or entanglement and, furthermore, the persons should be experienced entanglement of many particle systems.

The task of the hired person will be to develop algebraic invariants and geometrical tools that remain meaningful under realistic noise; in close connection with the other members of the group those general information-theoretic tools should be adapted to the experimental platform at hand. Some goals include novel quantum algorithms and novel communication protocols. Moreover, high interest in teaching and an active participation in other interdisciplinary projects and outreach projects is expected.

The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to contribute to the following areas:

• conducting research within the group interests
• writing academic publications along the academic rules
• attending national and international conferences
• collaborating with other research groups on an interdisciplinary basis
• performing auxiliary activities in academic teaching for up to 2 weekly credit hours
• helping to file applications for third-party funding
• active participation in outreach projects
• complying with the institution’s academic standards and ethical guidelines

Your strengths and skills:

• You must have completed a PhD degree (or an equivalent) in physics, mathematics, computer science, computational neuroscience, or other relevant fields.
• Fluent in English
• Some training in quantum information, high level mathematical tools and skills in programming

What you can expect:

• Collaborations: The group around Prof. Hiesmayr participates in many international collaborations with researchers around the world such that there will be many opportunities to get to know international renowned experts.
• International mobility and exchange: Austria is in the center of Europe and as such many other European countries are in reach within few hours enabling personal visits.
• Professional and personal development: We offer an international community with many options to participate in different activities, including high level education at the edge of our knowledge and with the newest technology, soft skills training and spare time activities.
• Innovative and stimulating working conditions in an interdisciplinary, international research environment
• Office kitchen with complimentary basic supplies.
• Flexible working hours through a flextime model and the option for home office