Quantum computers promise capabilities far beyond today's computers, but only if we can reliably protect quantum information from errors. Quantum error correction (QEC) is therefore one of the central challenges on the path toward large-scale quantum computing.
In this PhD project, you will investigate how machine learning can enable faster, more scalable QEC decoding. The goal is to develop new learning-based methods that combine strong decoding performance with the very low latency and hardware constraints required in practical quantum systems.
The position is part of QuBriC, the first European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network dedicated entirely to QEC. You will join an international cohort of doctoral researchers and collaborate with leading academic and industrial partners, including research visits at Duke University and IQM Quantum Computers. The PhD position is fully funded for 4 years (plus possible extension based on teaching and department duties). We offer some of the highest salaries for PhD students in Europe, full social benefits and health insurance, no tuition fees for PhD studies, financial support for relocation, and more, see below for details.
The expected starting date is early 2027.
About UsAt the Department of Electrical Engineering at Chalmers, you will join an international research environment with strong expertise in machine learning, information and coding theory, signal processing, and quantum systems. Our research combines fundamental methods with algorithm development, with close connections to both academic and industrial partners. Our working language is English.
You will be part of a research group working at the intersection of machine learning, error-correcting codes, and quantum information. The group brings together complementary expertise in coding and information theory, modern machine learning, iterative and message-passing algorithms, and quantum systems.
You will further be part of QuBriC, a large European research and training network bringing together 16 academic institutions and 7 industrial partners across 11 countries. You will join a cohort of 15 doctoral candidates based in Europe's leading QEC groups, and you will meet them regularly at network-wide training schools, workshops and conferences, giving you access to expertise well beyond your immediate research group.
About The Research ProjectDecoding is one of the major computational challenges in quantum error correction. A useful decoder must infer the most likely errors from incomplete and noisy measurements, while operating within extremely tight latency and hardware constraints.
In This Project, You Will Explore Whether Modern Machine-learning (ML) Methods Can Provide New Solutions To This Problem. Possible Research Directions Include
The exact direction of the project can be shaped according to your background and research interests. We are particularly interested in fundamental ideas that can ultimately lead to practical algorithms rather than simply applying existing neural-network architectures.
Who We Are Looking ForThe following requirements are mandatory: To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master’s degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits in electrical engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, physics, or a closely related field * Strong background and excellent course grades in at least one of the following subjects: coding/information theory, digital communications, quantum information processing, quantum computing * Strong mathematics and programming skills (e.g., Python, Matlab, or similar) * Strong written and verbal communication skills in English * Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an international research environment * for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.
The Following Experience Will Strengthen Your Application
Swedish language skills are not required for this position. If you are interested in learning Swedish, our department offers Swedish language courses free of charge.
MSCA EligibilityBecause this position is funded through a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network, additional eligibility requirements apply. In particular:
What You Will DoYour main responsibility will be to conduct high-quality research within the project and progressively develop your own research ideas. You will develop algorithms and software, perform numerical experiments and theoretical analysis, and communicate your results through publications and presentations at leading international conferences and journals. You will also take courses at an advanced level within the graduate school of Electrical Engineering.
You will collaborate extensively with researchers within QuBriC and participate in the network's research, training, and dissemination activities.
The position also includes teaching at the undergraduate and Master's level and other departmental duties, corresponding to up to 20% full time.
Contract terms
What We Offer
Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. Chalmers is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and gender balance. We evaluate all applicants on merit, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.
If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.
Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.
Application procedureThe application should be written in English and attached as PDF files (not Word or Zip), as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files. Do not send applications by email.
CV (Please name the document: CV_Surname_20260450.pdf)* Educational and professional background * Awards and distinctions * Teaching and pedagogical experiences * Other, for example previous leadership qualifications or positions of trust * Two references that we can contact
Personal letter (Please name the document: Letter_Surname_20260450.pdf)* A brief introduction about yourself. * Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g., education, thesis work, other research activities) * Describe your future goals and future research focus * At most 1-2 pages
Other Documents
Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.
A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.
Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.
We welcome your application no later than November 30, 2026.For Questions, Please ContactChristian Häger, E2,Associate Professorchristian.haeger@chalmers.se (This email address is for questions only. Please do not email your CV or any other application documents.)
Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.
