PhD Student Quantum generative AI (f/m/d)

The future of mobility is changing. What do we contribute to this? Volkswagen produces vehicles in 14 countries and delivers them to customers in more than 150 markets worldwide. Electromobility, smart mobility and digital transformation are our core topics for the future. For many millions of people, Volkswagen is the epitome of mobility – not only today, but also tomorrow. Become part of it and help develop new solutions with your curiosity and ideas. You can expect a diverse team that supports you and with whom you can grow together and develop your potential.

Questions about this position can be answered by Fabian Wenzel at fabian.wenzel@volkswagen.de

Brief Role Description

In your dissertation, you will explore how quantum computers can be used for generative tasks. You will compare established classical algorithms such as GANs or diffusion models against their quantum equivalents and work out differences which may be leveraged to achieve an improved performance using quantum computers. By balancing performance differences to classical algorithms, quantum hardware requirements and resulting compute efficiency, your PhD studies will outline the path for quantum generative AI at Volkswagen.

Possible Tasks within this Role

• Writing a dissertation in the context of development and application of quantum generative AI

• Publishing research results in top tier scientific journals or conferences

• Supervising and/or actively contributing to the integration of research results into solutions developed at the Volkswagen Group Innovation

• Supervising bachelor / master student projects on areas related to the dissertation topic

The final doctoral topic is defined together with the professor (f/m/d). The prerequisite for the cooperation is the confirmation of supervision as well as a confirmed delimitation of topics by the professor (f/m/d) of a university or research institution entitled to confer a doctorate.

Qualification requirements

• Good to very good university degree qualifying for PhD studies in a field such as physics, machine learning, IT, mathematics or related fields with strong mathematical as well as analytical character

• Advanced knowledge in several of the following topics: machine learning, quantum information theory, quantum mechanics, optimization, statistics

• Programming skills in Python or other common programming languages

• First experiences with common open source machine learning and quantum simulation toolboxes

• Fluency in English, German is considered a plus

Relevant Soft Skills

• Communication skills
• Team orientation
• Structured way of working

Relevant Hard Skills regarding…

• Scientific method
• Presentation skills

Your benefits within the 3-year doctoral program

• Attractive salary & 30 vacation days
• 35-hour week, flexible working hours, remote work
• Free seminars on scientific work and interdisciplinary qualifications
• Participation in the doctoral network for scientific exchange with science representatives and other doctoral candidates within the Volkswagen Group
• Subsequent possibility of permanent employment

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