Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Computing for Bioinformatics at the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Summary

The University of Amsterdam’s Biosystems Data Analysis group seeks a postdoctoral researcher to develop and benchmark quantum‑computing approaches for bioinformatics within the Q‑MMD programme. The role involves designing reproducible proof‑of‑concept studies, implementing quantum or hybrid prototypes, and benchmarking them against classical methods. The researcher will collaborate with bioinformatics and quantum‑computing experts, contribute to publications and open‑source software, and supervise bachelor’s and master’s students. The 18‑month temporary contract offers a salary of €3,706–€5,760 per month plus holiday and year‑end allowances. Candidates must hold a PhD in a relevant field, possess strong programming skills, and be able to work in an international, English‑speaking team.

Key Facts

About the Project

The project aims to create quantum or hybrid quantum‑classical prototypes for bioinformatics tasks such as protein‑based enzyme specificity, DNA sequence analysis, and microbiome studies. Researchers will benchmark these prototypes for accuracy, scalability, and resource use against established classical methods, generating open software and publications while exploring future funding opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Select quantum or hybrid methods with plausible potential for biological research problems.
• Design reproducible proof‑of‑concept studies and implement prototypes using suitable biological datasets.
• Benchmark accuracy, scalability, resource requirements, and scientific usefulness against classical approaches.
• Work with bioinformatics researchers, Q‑MMD projects, quantum‑computing specialists, and external partners.
• Contribute to publications, open research software, presentations, knowledge transfer, and follow‑up funding proposals.
• Help supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students and support an inclusive research culture.

Required Skills

• PhD in a relevant discipline (bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, quantum information, etc.)
• Strong programming and computational research skills
• Experience developing reproducible workflows
• Expertise in either quantum computing or bioinformatics/computational biology
• Ability to communicate results clearly in English
• Ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary, international team
• Experience with quantum software frameworks, high‑performance computing, open‑source software, or external collaborations (advantage)

Who Should Apply

Applicants who hold a PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, quantum information, computational chemistry, applied mathematics, physics or a closely related discipline, and who have strong programming and workflow development skills. The ideal candidate has demonstrated expertise in either quantum computing or bioinformatics, can communicate clearly in English, and is motivated to work in an interdisciplinary, international research environment.

Benefits

• Salary €3,706–€5,760 gross per month
• 8% holiday allowance
• 8.3% year‑end allowance
• Opportunity to supervise students
• Inclusive research culture

About the Employer

The position is hosted by the University of Amsterdam’s Biosystems Data Analysis (BDA) group within the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences and is part of the Faculty of Science’s Quantum Simulation for Molecular and Material Design (Q‑MMD) programme.