Vacancy number: 16608
Job type: Academic staff
Contract hours min: 32
Contract hours max: 38
Location: Leiden
Applying is possible up to and including: 29 juni 2026
We are seeking individuals with a curiosity-driven research record who work at the intersection of machine learning (ML) and quantum many-body physics. We are also happy to work with experts in one of the two fields who are committed to learning the other. Moreover, we look for interest in developing interpretable, reliable, and scalable ML methods, neural quantum states, understanding the simplicity bias of overparameterized neural networks, or applying them to quantum systems, such as ultracold quantum simulators.
In this position, you will be encouraged to identify and tackle important challenges in quantum simulators, taking advantage of existing collaborations with leading experimental groups. You may join (and lead) existing collaborations aiming at scalable and practical Hamiltonian learning and detecting quantum phases of matter and their order parameters in exotic systems. You may help to explore the energy landscapes of neural quantum states or the simplicity biases of neural networks. You will be given scientific freedom to shape your own research agenda and will be supported by structured mentoring that includes career development plans tailored to your goals after the postdoctoral stage. The contract must start on December 2026 or earlier.
The successful candidate will work with Dr. Anna Dawid and her research team. The position is set in the exciting, friendly, and interdisciplinary environment of the aQa (Applied Quantum Algorithms) group, which is a team of faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and students across the Leiden Institute for Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), the Leiden Institute of Physics (LION), the Leiden Institute for Chemistry (LIC), and the Leiden Mathematical Institute (MI) at the Leiden University.
What you will do
- Conducting rigorous research at the intersection of ML and quantum physics;
- Actively participating in regular group and one-on-one meetings;
- Co-supervising Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students;
- Presenting your research results to the scientific community at international conferences and through publications.
Where you will work
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to contribute to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.
The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2.300 staff and almost 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. For more information, see www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science and www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at
The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute in the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, ICT in Business, Media Technology, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, we are one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. For more information about LIACS, see http://www.cs.leiden.edu
What you bring
- Ph.D. degree in physics, computer science, or a related field;
- Good publication record in ML or quantum physics. A publication record in ML applied to scientific problems is a bonus;
- Good programming skills in Python. Familiarity with PyTorch or Tensorflow is a bonus;
- High proficiency in spoken and written English;
- A team player who can communicate well also across scientific fields and teams;
- A creative, curiosity-driven scientist with an open mindset.
What we offer
- We offer a full-time two-year term position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research, personal capabilities, and compatibility, the appointment will be extended by one more year. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
- A salary between € 3.546,= and € 5.538,= gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (Pay scale 10);
- A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
- Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
- Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
- Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
- If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
- A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop.
What we value
Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community that enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality teaching and research are inclusive.
Want to apply or find out more?
Inquiries about the research area and position details can be made to Dr. Anna Dawid [email protected]">[email protected] If you have any questions about the procedure, please sent an email to: [email protected]">[email protected].
Please submit your application online via the blue button in the vacancy. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents:
- A motivation letter (1 page);
- A brief research statement (max. 3 pages) describing your research so far and your research plan for the postdoc;
- A full CV, including a list of publications and a link to your Google Scholar page;
- The names and e-mail addresses of at least two scientists who agreed to be contacted for reference letters.
For full consideration, please apply no later than June 29, 2026. The selection procedure will take place in June/July 2026, and selected candidates may be invited for an interview during this period.
