Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in Quantum Computing for Earth Observation

Our team and mission

Reporting to the Head of the Explore Office in the ESA Φ-lab, you will work in close cooperation with other staff in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

You will be part of the ESA Φ-lab. Our mission is to accelerate the future of Earth observation (EO) by embracing disruptive innovation and acting as a catalyst for disruptive/transformative innovation in the sector.

Our vision is to become an “EO innovation hub”, connecting EO with a growing ecosystem of disruptive and transformative innovation, encompassing AI, ML, quantum computing, edge computing, metamaterials, photonics, etc. Many of the challenges posed by new technologies still need to be tackled at the scientific, application and capability levels to deliver the maximum value from satellite-derived EO assets for our climate, society and economy. The Φ-lab will bring together early career and senior researchers from a variety of disciplines across EO and disruptive/transformative innovation to help develop innovative EO solutions.

We offer:

• a stimulating multinational, interdisciplinary and open work environment;
• access to high-performance computing infrastructure and unparalleled EO and technology expertise;
• a unique opportunity to work on innovative solutions to address global challenges;
• the freedom and focus you need to conduct creative research while making an impact on ESA’s strategy;
• a wide network of relationships and collaboration with top academia, industry and research centres;
• the opportunity to contribute to the Φ-lab strategy and activities.

You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: https://www.esa.int/

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

This fellowship aims to explore the use of quantum computing for Earth observation (EO) applications, potentially in combination with artificial intelligence and high-performance computing (HPC) technologies.

In particular, you will apply (hybrid) quantum computing solutions to EO use cases for which current classical computing algorithms are NP-hard or, in general, difficult to implement.

Within your application, please provide a research proposal (no more than five pages) answering the following questions:

• What are the EO application(s) that you would like to address?
• What are the limitations of current classical algorithms that could be potentially addressed by quantum computing?
• What (hybrid) quantum computing solution(s) (hardware + software) could address such limitations?

Please structure your research proposal highlighting how you plan to capitalise on your previous work and experience.

.

In particular, you will:

• undertake advanced research activities exploring and expanding the use of disruptive and transformative innovation such as AI, ML, quantum computing and edge computing to develop new frameworks and solutions. Research may cover a wide range of innovative topics:

• • exploration of innovative methodologies and technologies;
  • development of novel methods, new technology implementations, (e.g. ML models) and/or high-level products;
  • contribution to the development and curation of open data sets and tools enabling the community to develop its own AI for applications and research.

• support the definition and implementation of rapid prototyping activities, research sprints and open challenges of innovative EO solutions addressing upcoming lab activities and wider strategy;
• engage with the innovation ecosystem to promote the uptake of new techniques and capture the latest developments in EO and disruptive/transformative innovation;
• publish the research project outcomes in high-impact journals;
• drive collaboration within the Φ-lab community and ESA internal teams to promote the uptake of these new techniques and solutions;
• contribute to the Φ-lab strategy, activities and outreach on disruptive technologies for EO;
• maintain a continuous dialogue with the scientific community, including major international programmes and initiatives in the field;
• support the Φ-lab’s daily activities and research network of ESA Graduate Trainees, National Trainees, Interns and Visiting Researchers, as applicable;
• conduct fundamental research on (hybrid) quantum computing algorithms (e.g., error detection/mitigation techniques, quantum/hybrid implementations of AI algorithms, novel quantum computing algorithms, etc.);
• conduct theoretical studies to identify target EO use cases that could benefit from (hybrid) quantum computing solutions;
• design (novel) possible solutions based on quantum computing algorithms, in combination with HPC and AI, for the target EO use cases;
• familiarise yourself with various quantum computing hardware technologies and their trade-offs, and investigate the feasibility for the implementation of target (hybrid) quantum computing algorithms;
• potentially implement target quantum computing algorithms on quantum computing hardware;
• conduct benchmarking with other innovative computing paradigms (e.g. neuromorphic computing, photonics computing, etc.);
• support/lead ESA Φ-lab’s industrial R&D activities related to quantum computing.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

You should have recently completed, or be close to completion of a PhD in a related technical or scientific discipline. Preference will be given to applications submitted by candidates within five years of receiving their PhD. In particular for this position, the following is required:

PhD in a relevant field such as computer science, quantum physics, electronic engineering, data science, AI, machine learning, Earth system science, climate etc. with a thesis subject relevant to the description of the tasks outlined above.

Additional requirements

In addition to your CV and your motivation letter, please prepare a research proposal of no more than 5 pages. This proposal should be uploaded to the "additional documents" field of the "application information" section.

You should have:

• Sound theoretical knowledge of quantum computing and computing science; including quantum simulators or emulators;
• Experience with standard quantum computing frameworks, such as Qiskit or Pennylane;
• Basic knowledge of HPC;
• Basic knowledge of quantum technologies and quantum computing hardware;
• The ability to think outside the box and explore new avenues, with natural curiosity and a passion for new subjects and research areas;
• Proven experience in designing novel quantum computing algorithms;
• Proven experience in implementing quantum computing algorithms on quantum computing hardware or hardware emulators/simulators for target applications (even non-space use cases);
• The interest and ability to share knowledge with other ESA organisational units.

The following would be assets:

• Knowledge of other themes of interest, such as EO, AI, ML, ICT revolution technologies and edge computing;
• Experience with general purpose deep learning frameworks, such as Tensorflow or PyTorch;
• Record of relevant coding experiences relevant to the job description;
• Experience with HPC tools (e.g., MPI, SLURM, etc.);
• Knowledge of Earth observation and remote sensing.