Postdoctoral position at UCLA (quantum machine learning)
Louis Bouchard
Post Doctoral Researcher at UCLA
Quantum Machine Learning
Description: A co-supervised post doctoral position is available in the labs of Profs. Louis Bouchard and Vwani Roychowdhury, a pioneer in quantum computing and machine learning (ML), for the development of new algorithms for deep learning, leveraging recent advances in quantum computing. The synergy between quantum algorithms and artificial intelligence opens up new possibilities that were not previously possible on either platform alone. Quantum computing algorithms are capable, for example, of factoring large integers exponentially much faster than the best known classical algorithm. However, such algorithms are not currently possible due to the difficulty of entangling many qubits in the presence of decoherence effects. On the other hand, deep learning systems are inherently designed to handle large networks of processing units. What happens when these processing units are of a quantum mechanical nature? The successful Post Doc will undertake a theoretical study and development of hybrid quantum-classical deep learning systems, develop, implement and validate new algorithms.
Qualifications: Ph.D. in theoretical physics or related field (e.g., chemistry, mathematics, engineering, computer science, etc.) with research experience and a track record of publications, computer programming experience involving numerical methods, good understanding of quantum systems.
Post Doc responsibilities: Designing and developing machine learning and deep learning systems; Develop theory of deep learning for new computing architectures; Development of numerical methods; Running machine learning tests and experiments; Implementation of new algorithms; Write and publish scientific papers; Mentor students; Reporting of results verbally and in writing; Train and retrain systems when necessary; Extend existing ML libraries and frameworks; Keep abreast of developments in the field
Job brief: We are looking for a ML expert to help us create artificial intelligence algorithms, implement and test them. A physicist is preferred, due to the heavy use of quantum mechanics, but candidates from related fields will be considered. CUDA programming experience is not required, but would be a strong asset. Experience with parallel programming is preferred. Programming may be done in C, Python, MATLAB (and possibly, in conjunction with CUDA). If you possess several of these skills, we’d like to meet you. Your ultimate goal will be to develop transformative models with computational complexity advantage in the context of quantum mechanics.
Requirements: Proven experience as a ML expert; Understanding of experimental data, data structures, data modeling and software architecture; Deep knowledge of math, probability, statistics and algorithms; Ability to write robust code in Python, MATLAB, C, or similar language; Familiarity with ML frameworks (like Keras or PyTorch) and libraries (like scikit-learn); Excellent communication skills; Ability to work in a team; Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills; PhD in physics is preferred, but candidates with a degree in a related field (e.g. mathematics, chemistry, engineering, or computer science) with knowledge of quantum mechanics can also apply.
Application: Send CV with list of publications, statement of interest, and names of 3 references to both Profs. Vwani Roychowdhury (vw...@ee.ucla.edu) and Louis Bouchard (lsbou...@ucla.edu). The position will remain open until it is filled.