Postdoctoral Researchers (Theoretical Foundations Of Distributed Quantum Computing)

Aalto University is a community of bold thinkers where science and art meet technology and business. We are committed to identifying and solving grand societal challenges and building an innovative future. Aalto has six schools with 14 000 students and a staff of 5000, of which more than 400 are professors. Our main campus is located in Espoo, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

The Department of Computer Science is an internationally-oriented community and home to world-class research in modern computer science, combining research on foundations and innovative applications. With over 40 professors and more than 450 employees from 50 countries, it is the largest department at Aalto University and the leading computer science research unit in northern Europe. Computer science research at Aalto University ranks high in several international surveys (7th in Europe and 1st in the Nordics (NTU 2023); and 88th worldwide in Times Higher Education subject ranking 2025).

We are now looking for three

Postdoctoral Researchers

to work on the theoretical foundations of distributed quantum computing. Our long-term objective is to understand which distributed tasks admit a quantum advantage, especially in the context of the LOCAL model of distributed computing, and what the fundamental limits are.

Your network and team

You will work in the research group of Jukka Suomela. This is one of the leading research groups in the areas of theory of distributed and parallel computing; our work frequently appears in the top conferences of the field (recently e.g. STOC, SODA, ICALP, PODC, and DISC), and we have received a number of awards, e.g. the best paper award at FOCS 2019. These positions are supported by an ERC Advanced Grant (Distributed Quantum Advantage, 2026–2031) and a QuantERA grant (Quantum Network Algorithms, 2026–2029); in the QuantERA consortium we have partners in Canada, Czechia, France, Germany, and Italy.

Your experience and ambitions

A successful candidate has a recent doctoral degree in a relevant area of theoretical computer science, mathematics, or physics, and an outstanding research track record as demonstrated by publications in leading conferences and journals. It is sufficient that you will receive your doctoral degree before the contract starts; you can apply for these positions already before you have your degree.

We value expertise in domains such as graph algorithms, parallel algorithms, computational complexity theory, models of computing, automata theory, graph theory, discrete mathematics, probability theory and stochastics, and linear algebra. We also value skills in e.g. using computational techniques in TCS, familiarity with modern AI tools, familiarity with proof assistants such as Lean, good communication skills, and ability to work both independently and as a member of a large research team; a good command of English is necessary. You do not need to be yet an expert in distributed graph algorithms and quantum information theory, as long as you are familiar with the relevant areas of mathematics and are willing and able to learn.

What we offer

Our postdoc positions are fixed-term contracts for 1–3 years, with start dates between October 2026 and October 2027 (negotiable). The current salary for a postdoctoral researcher is 4229.48–4418.69 € per month depending on experience and qualifications. In addition to the salary, the contract includes occupational health benefits, and Finland has a comprehensive social security system. The positions are located at the Aalto University Otaniemi campus.

Ready to apply?

If you want to join our community, please submit your application through our recruitment system Workday. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2026. The positions will be filled as soon as suitable candidates have been identified.

Please note: Aalto University’s employees and visitors should apply for the position via our internal system Workday by using their existing Workday user account.

To apply, please share the following four documents (each document as a single, easy-to-read PDF file):

1) A cover letter (1–2 pages) that explains concisely what your key merits are that make you the right candidate for these positions.

2) Your CV, including your list of publications.

3) A brief research statement (any length is fine), describing what research you have done so far and what your plans are for future research.

4) A single document that contains relevant degree diplomas and transcripts of studies.

In the application form, you will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of 3–4 referees who have agreed to write recommendation letters for you. We will contact the referees and ask them for the letters after the application period closes.

Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the positions open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

Further information

• Professor Jukka Suomela, e-mail "jukka.suomela@aalto.fi" (research-related information)
• HR Advisor Susanna Holma, e-mail "hr-cs@aalto.fi" (recruitment process; not available July 3–23)

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