PhD scholarship in Quantum Computing for Transportation Applications – the QUANTRA project – DT[...]

Are you interested in exploring the potential of quantum computing to address challenges in the Mobility and Transportation Systems? Do you have expertise in applied mathematics and, ideally, competence in quantum computation, machine learning, applied physics or optimization techniques? If so, this position might be a good fit for you.
Are you interested in exploring the potential of quantum computing to address challenges in the Mobility and Transportation Systems? Do you have expertise in applied mathematics and, ideally, competence in quantum computation, machine learning, applied physics or optimization techniques? If so, this position might be a good fit for you.

DTU Management together with DTU Compute would like to invite highly motivated candidates to apply for a 3-year PhD position starting no later than December 1st, 2024, within quantum computing for transportation applications. The successful candidate will join the Transportation Science Division at DTU, Denmark and work under the supervision of Prof. Otto A. Nielsen (DTU Management) and Associate Professors Sven Karlsson (DTU Compute) and Carlos Lima Azevedo (DTU Management). Otto and Carlos have extensive experience in transport modelling, simulation and control research, while Sven’s research focuses on the architecture and construction of computers, high performance computing, quantum computing and computer networks. This partnership is funded under the Quantum DTU Strategic Initiative.

You will work on exploring the potential of quantum models to revolutionize traffic network modeling and problem solving. Questions such as how transportation classical models can be formulated as quantum models for generic traffic network analysis and how can such formulations be used in traffic prediction and control problems will be explored.

We are looking for excellent applicants with MSc background on Applied Mathematics, with preferably experience in Physics, Computer Science, Operations Research, or a related discipline with a focus on quantum algorithms, networks and/or fundamentals of machine learning and optimization techniques.

Project Background
Traffic network modeling has been a critical area of research, using network flow models to predict and control traffic despite challenges in handling time-space dynamics, scalability, and uncertainty. Quantum computing offers new solutions for computationally intensive problems, and very recent explorations in traffic prediction and optimization of vehicle routing, traffic signal control, and network design have shown its potential. The key challenge remains in reformulating spatio-temporal dynamics of transportation models for the quantum realm.

QUANTRA aims to revolutionize traffic network modeling and problem-solving by exploring the potential of quantum models. The project will investigate how classical transportation models can be formulated as quantum models for generic traffic network analysis and their application in traffic prediction and control. This exploration will also focus on computational design and feasibility along with selected demonstration cases, such as network state equilibrium estimation, travel time and flow prediction, and network control. By leveraging quantum computing's ability to handle large-scale problems and linear systems more effectively, QUANTRA seeks to enhance the feasibility and scalability of traffic models, offering innovative solutions to contemporary traffic management challenges.

Aligned with Quantum DTU's strategic focus to leverage quantum computing to revolutionize problem-solving, QUANTRA directly targets solutions for transportation, a sector fundamental for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and mobility improvements.

Together with the supervision team, the successful candidate will focus on the following research agenda:

• Methodological , by reviewing and modelling selected families of transportation problems that have the potential to be formulated as generic quantum models.
• Development , by applying the developed theoretical models for large-scale traffic network estimation, prediction and control.
• Experimental , by designing, testing and assess computational environments for simulating quantum model performance for the selected large-scale transportation applications.

QUANTRA will leverage on DTU’s Computing Center (DCC) High Performance Computing (HPC). HPC will be used as facility for running QUANTRA simulations but also as a laboratory for developing and experimenting with the proposed new quantum architecture using modern High Performance Computing capabilities. It is expected that the candidate will be responsible for designing and implementing the developed theoretical models in such environment.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your primary responsibilities are:

• Conducting systematic review of relevant the mathematical formulations of traffic network models, quantum mechanics and the quantum computing.
• Identifying potential modelling frameworks.
• Explore and develop quantum mechanics inspired mathematical formulations of quantum traffic models and test their properties against classical (network or many-body) models.
• Formulating and exploring algorithms of quantum computing for traffic prediction and for traffic control.
• Code implementation and validation for these models in a HPC setting for alternative model design and assessment.
• Conduct computational experiments in HPC environments.
• Collaborate with researchers from computer science and transportation in a truly interdisciplinary environment.
• Author or co-author scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals.
• Participate in international conferences.
• Take advanced classes to improve academic skills.
• Carry out teaching, teaching support and BSc./MSc. co-supervision as part of the overall PhD contract.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree in:

• Applied Physics, Computer Science, Operations Research or a related discipline.

With:

• Excellent record in mathematics (algebra, statistics, probability theory and/or optimization).
• Proficiency in Python, C++, or specialized languages (for quantum computing).
• Curiosity and interest about current and future mobility challenges and quantum computing.
• Ability to translate conceptual models to its analytical solutions and to its numerical testing experiments
• Past excellent academic record in quantum mechanics, quantum mechanics or relevant theoretical physics is preferred.
• Previous experience with quantum software development kits is preferred but not mandatory.
• Excellent communication in English and interpersonal skills for working in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Willingness to engage in group-work with a multi-national team;
• Able to work independently;

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in the PhD degree programs at DTU’s Department of Technology, Management and Economics. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study program, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be led by Otto A. Nielsen, Sven Karlsson and Carlos Lima Azevedo.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years. The starting date is 1 December 2024 at the latest. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Carlos Lima Azevedo at (DTU).

You can read more about DTU Management at and DTU Compute at

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 6 September 2024 (23:59 Danish time) . Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion, or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Management conducts excellent research in the intersection between management, technology and economics. We develop solutions in close cooperation with companies and public authorities. Our research aims at strengthening welfare, productivity, and sustainability within the society. A key element is the role of technology and its interaction with industry and individuals. Explore more at .

DTU Compute is an internationally unique academic environment spanning the scientific disciplines of mathematics, statistics, computer science, and engineering. We offer education ranging from the bachelor's level to PhDs and support continuing education, all rooted in these scientific disciplines. We also collaborate with other universities, external organisations, and companies in both Denmark and abroad. Explore more at .

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

Adresse:

Produktionstorvet
2800 Kgs. Lyngby