CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Quantum Computing for Archetypal Analysis of Extreme Climate Data

Date: 12 Sep 2024

Location: Melbourne, VIC, AU

Company: CSIRO

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The opportunity

 

  • Great opportunity for an early career researcher with a PhD in physics
  • Explore the use of Quantum Computing for studying extreme weather and climate data
  • Work with a team to explore state-of-the-art quantum computing to solve climate science problems

 

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.

 

The CERC Fellow will undertake research into merging Archetypal Analysis (AA, a data clustering technique) with Quantum Annealing (QA) or hybrid QA and classical computing.  The role would evaluate whether QC can be used for analysing the large datasets required for climate analysis at scale, and particularly the analysis of extreme weather events.  By combining a ‘inside-out’ (examining specific variables at particular points) and ‘outside-in’ methodology (isolating extreme configurations in the geographical domains under consideration), we will enhance our understanding of how local and global drivers contribute to extreme weather events and better predict changes in extreme climate under global warming.


The CERC Fellow would implement the AA technique with an algorithm suitable for a quantum computer, such as quantum annealing or hybrid quantum annealing and classical computing.  The approach would be tested with climate data, as well as explore ways to improve the technique and extract novel insights from the analysis. This is an exciting opportunity to solve climate science problems, potentially providing a step change in our computational and analysis capabilities.

Your duties will include:

  • Implementing algorithms for climate analysis on quantum computers/annealers
  • Performing experiments, evaluating the performance of archetypal analysis on quantum computers, and interpreting the results
  • Publishing the analysis as scientific papers
  • Attending scientific conferences and presenting research results

 

Location: Clayton, Victoria

Salary: AU$96k - AU$105k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term of 2 years

Reference: 97058

To be considered you will need:

  • A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as physics. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have one and no more than 4 years (full-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
  • Fluent with scientific programming, including python
  • High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including presenting research outcomes at national and international conferences.
  • A sound history of publication in peer-reviewed journals and/or authorship of scientific papers, reports, grant applications or patents.
  • A record of science innovation and creativity, including the ability & willingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations.

 

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to all candidates - Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or international candidates (both offshore and onshore) who either hold, or will be able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term (visa sponsorship and relocation assistance may be provided to the successful candidate if required).  Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

 

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications close

13 October 2024, 11:00pm AEDT