Research Group Leader in Numerics for Quantum and AI

Research Group Leader in Numerics for Quantum and AI

Saarland University is a campus university with an international reputation for research excellence, particularly in computer science and in the life sciences and nanosciences. The university is also distinguished by its close ties to France and its strong European focus. Around 17,000 students, studying over one hundred different academic disciplines, are currently enrolled at Saarland University. Saarland University is officially recognized as one of Germany’s family-friendly higher-education institutions and with a combined workforce of more than 4000 it is one of the largest employers in the region.

The Center for Quantum Technologies (QuTe) is inviting applications for the following position commencing at the earliest opportunity.

Research Group Leader in Numerics for Quantum and AI
Reference number W2914, salary in accordance with the German TV-L salary scale[1], pay grade: up to E14 TV- L, duration of employment: 3 years, volume of employment: 100 % of standard working time.

Workplace/Department:
We are offering a group leader position for three years at the newly established Center for Quantum Technologies (QuTe) at Saarland University. As part of its ongoing development, QuTe is establishing several new research groups in Applied Quantum Sciences, Quantum Mathematics, Quantum Informatics, and Numerics for Quantum and AI.

The Center for Quantum Technologies (QuTe) has recently been established at Saarland University to pursue research across the full spectrum of quantum technologies — from the theoretical and computational foundations (quantum information theory, theoretical physics, computer science, mathematics, quantum computing) to experimental work on physical platforms (quantum physics, quantum optics, quantum engineering). It includes a satellite facility of the Helmholtz Center „Forschungszentrum Jülich“ further strengthening its research capabilities.

Job requirements and responsibilities:

• Developing and implementing an independent research programme in numerical methods applied to quantum physics, covering areas such as numerical simulations, inverse problems in quantum physics, applied mathematics in experimental physics or quantum engineering, quantum AI and/or quantum control
• Building and leading an own research group with support from QuTe
• Planning, conducting and evaluating research projects and publishing the results in international peer-reviewed journals
• Establishing and maintaining collaborations with research groups at QuTe and Forschungszentrum Jülich
• Identifying suitable national and international funding opportunities and preparing competitive grant applications, in particular for renowned individual funding programmes (e.g. ERC, Emmy Noether or Heisenberg), to further expand the research group
• Managing and monitoring approved third-party funded projects
• Participating in national and international scientific conferences and contributing to scientific networking, knowledge transfer and public outreach activities at QuTe
• Opportunity to contribute to teaching activities, depending on the candidate’s interests, for example in the “Quantum Engineering” or “Quantum Information Theory” study programmes

Your academic qualifications:

• Doctoral degree / PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or a related field
• Language skills (according to CEFR): English – C1

The successful candidate will also be expected to:

• Have an excellent scientific profile with a strong background in numerical methods and their application to quantum physics or quantum engineering, including experience with numerical simulation tools, mathematical modelling and/or computational methods relevant to quantum systems
• Have experience in writing and publishing scientific work in international peer-reviewed journals
• Be familiar with relevant research infrastructures and simulation environments
• Have knowledge of the national and European research funding landscape
• Have strong analytical and strategic project planning skills
• Have strong communication and presentation skills and an interest in interdisciplinary and inter-institutional collaboration

What we can offer you:

• A flexible work schedule allowing you to balance work and family, among other things the possibility of teleworking
• Secure and future-oriented employment with attractive conditions
• A broad range of further education and professional development programmes (for example language courses)
• An occupational health management model with numerous attractive options, such as our university sports programme
• Supplementary pension scheme (RZVK)
• Discounted tickets on local public transport services (‘Job-Ticket‘ of the saarVV)
• Job bike leasing (JobRad)

We look forward to receiving your meaningful online application (in a PDF file) by 18.10.2026 to qute@uni-saarland.de. Please include the reference number W2914 in the subject line of the e-mail.

Application documents must include the following documents:

• a letter of application, which should be addressed to the Director of the Center for Quantum Technologies and which should include your private address, phone number and e-mail,
• your CV/résumé including details of study program and electronic copies of your certificates,
• details of your PhD project and your subsequent research,
• your teaching experience (if applicable),
• a complete list of publications highlighting your three most relevant publications regarding your planned research at QuTe,
• a statement of your scientific experience/interests and of your previous and planned research,
• and your record in acquiring third-party funding.

If you have any questions, please contact us for assistance. Your contact:
Christian Hochbruck or Prof. Moritz Weber (qute@uni-saarland.de)
Center for Quantum Technologies (QuTe)
Tel.: +49 681 3022510

Pay grade classification is based on the particular details of the position held and the extent to which the applicant meets the requirements of the pay grade within the TV-L salary scale. Part-time employment is generally possible. If you have obtained a foreign university degree, a proof of the equivalence of this degree with a German degree by the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB) is needed before hiring. If necessary, please apply for this in time. You can find more information at https://www.kmk.org/zeugnisbewertung. Unfortunately, neither costs for attending an interview at Saarland University nor costs for any certificate evaluation by the ZAB can be reimbursed in principle. We welcome applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation and identity. In accordance with its policy of increasing the proportion of women, the University actively encourages applications from women. Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability. When you submit a job application to Saarland University you will be transmitting personal data. Please refer to our privacy notice for information on how we collect and process personal data in accordance with Art. 13 of the Datenschutz-Grundverordnung. By submitting your application you confirm that you have taken note of the information in the Saarland University privacy notice.[1] TV-L = collective agreement on remuneration of public sector employees in the German Länder The pay grade assigned to an employee depends on their professional qualifications and the number of years of service. Each pay grade is further subdivided into levels. Entry-level employees with no previous experience will initially be assigned a level 1 rating. After one year at level 1 of the E10 pay grade, an employee will move up to level 2. After a further two years, the employee will move to level 3, etc.