Post Doc position in the development of Quantum Computing algorithms for biological systems

Post Doc position in the development of Quantum Computing algorithms for biological systems

Italy

Project: Quantum computing for biological systems

Commitment & contract: 1-year + 1-year, renewable upon mutual agreement - temporary contract

Location: IIT Genova/Roma

Step into a world of endless possibilities, together let’s leave something for the future!

At IIT, we are committed to advancing human-centered Science and Technology to address the most urgent societal challenges of our era. We foster excellence in both fundamental and applied research, spanning fields such as neuroscience and cognition, humanoid technologies and robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and material sciences, offering a truly interdisciplinary scientific experience. Our approach integrates cutting-edge tools and technology, empowering researchers to push the limits of knowledge and innovation. With us, your curiosity will know no bounds.

We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering diversity in all its forms, creating an inclusive environment. We value the unique experiences, knowledge, backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives of our people. By embracing diversity, we believe science can achieve its fullest potential.

THE ROLE

The successful candidate will join the Multiscale and Quantum Simulations research unit (coordinated by Dr. Sauro Succi) and the Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery research unit (coordinated by Dr. Marco De Vivo), both internationally recognized for their expertise in computational physics and chemistry, multiscale simulations, and the development of innovative computational methodologies, including quantum computing .

The position foresees a long-term stay at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio (USA). The project will be conducted in close collaboration with the research group of Dr. Kenneth Merz at Cleveland Clinic and will be co-supervised by Dr. Sauro Succi and Dr. Marco De Vivo, providing a highly interdisciplinary and international research environment.

The research aims to develop and apply quantum computing algorithms to address fundamental challenges in computational biochemistry. The successful candidate will leverage state-of-the-art quantum hardware and software platforms to design, implement, and benchmark quantum algorithms for chemically relevant applications, while integrating them with classical and ab initio computational methods.

This unique research environment offers the opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation computational methodologies at the interface of quantum computing, molecular simulations.

Within the team, your main responsibilities will include:

• Develop, implement, and optimize quantum computing algorithms for applications in computational chemistry and biophysics.
• Perform molecular modeling and atomistic simulations to generate and analyze benchmark systems for quantum algorithms.
• Evaluate and compare classical and quantum computational approaches, identifying and pursuing opportunities for quantum advantage in molecular simulations.
• Work with state-of-the-art quantum software frameworks and access available quantum hardware platforms.
• Analyze and interpret computational results, ensuring reproducibility and rigorous scientific documentation.
• Collaborate closely with computational scientists, quantum computing experts, and experimental researchers in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Present research findings at group meetings, international conferences, and through publications in leading peer-reviewed journals.
• Document research activities using electronic lab notebooks and contribute to the preparation of technical reports, grant applications, and scientific manuscripts.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENT

• A PhD in chemistry, physics or related disciplines
• A strong background in computational chemistry, molecular simulations, quantum chemistry, computational physics, computer science, or a related discipline.
• Interest in or experience with quantum computing, quantum algorithms, and scientific programming (e.g., Python or similar frameworks).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop new computational methodologies.
• Experience with high-performance computing and advanced computational environments.
• Experience in method development, programming and scripting abilities are highly desirable
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in an international, multidisciplinary team.
• A proactive, independent, and creative approach to research, combined with a willingness to learn and contribute to collaborative projects.
• Documented experience on MD simulations and coding
• The ability to properly report, organize and publish research data
• Excellent command in spoken and written English
• Availability to travel in the USA

ADDITIONAL SKILL

• Possess a sense of scientific curiosity and be capable of mastering new computational methods, as required.
• Good communication skills
• Strong problem-solving attitude
• High motivation to learn
• Spirit of innovation and creativity
• Good in time and priority management
• Ability to work in a challenging and international environment
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• A yearly gross salary ranging between 45.000,00 and 55.000,00 euro
• Private health care coverage depending on your role and contract
• Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who have carried scientific research activity permanently abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years.

Application’s deadline: October 15th, 2026