Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Tirupati invites applications from eligible Indian nationals for the position of Research Associate under a time-bound National Quantum Mission (NQM) project sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in the Department of Physics.
Job Details
| Attribute | Information |
| Hiring Institution | IIT Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh |
| Open Position | Research Associate (01 Post) |
| Project Title | Towards Quantum Advantage: Design and Development of Algorithms, Codes and Protocols |
| Project No. | PHY2627004DSTXARAV |
| Sponsoring Agency | National Quantum Mission (NQM), DST, Govt. of India |
| Principal Investigator | Dr. Aravinda S (Department of Physics) |
| Collaborating Partners | IIT Madras (Prof. Arul Lakshminarayan), IIIT Hyderabad, IIT Ropar |
| Monthly Salary | As per DST norms (based on post-PhD experience): • RA I: ₹58,000/- p.m. • RA II: ₹61,000/- p.m. • RA III: ₹67,000/- p.m. |
| Project Duration | 3 Years (Initial appointment for 1 year, extendable up to 3 years) |
| Upper Age Limit | Maximum 35 years (Age relaxation applicable as per institute norms) |
| Application Deadline | 14th September 2026 |
| Selection Mode | Shortlisting followed by In-person or Online Interview |
About Institution
IIT Tirupati is a premier autonomous engineering and technology institute established by the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India. The Department of Physics actively conducts advanced research in Quantum Computing, Quantum Chaos, Theoretical Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, and Photonics.
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Job Description
The Research Associate will work on developing an algorithmic toolbox for generating and certifying random quantum states and circuits to demonstrate quantum advantage on near-term devices. The work involves applying Random Matrix Theory, unitary $k$-designs, and quantum state designs to investigate dual-unitary and Bernoulli circuits, combined with numerical simulations using exact diagonalization and tensor network methods.
Requirements & Required Qualifications
1. Educational Qualification
- Ph.D. in Many-body Quantum Chaos, Theoretical Quantum Physics, Quantum Many-Body Theory, Quantum Computation and Information Theory, or a closely related discipline.
- Candidates who have submitted their Ph.D. thesis in a relevant area are also eligible to apply.
2. Desirable Experience
- Strong theoretical background in Random Matrix Theory and Quantum Chaos.
- Demonstrated experience in numerical modeling and simulation of physical systems (e.g., exact diagonalization, tensor networks).
- Good research publication record and communication skills.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Algorithmic Development: Formulate structured random state generation protocols using quantum chaos-based methods and projective ensemble techniques.
- Spectral & Entanglement Analysis: Apply Random Matrix Theory to characterize spectral statistics and entanglement properties in parameterized circuit families.
- Numerical Modeling: Perform exact diagonalization for small quantum systems and deploy tensor network methods for intermediate-scale systems to validate $t$-design properties.
- Multi-Institutional Collaboration: Coordinate and execute research tasks across partner institutes, including IIT Madras, IIIT Hyderabad, and IIT Ropar.
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Skills You’ll Gain
| Category | Specific Tools & Competencies Mastered |
| Quantum Algorithms | Unitary $k$-designs, Quantum Chaos Modeling, Dual-Unitary Circuits, $t$-design Fidelity Metrics. |
| Numerical Physics | Tensor Networks, Exact Diagonalization, Random Matrix Theory Calculations. |
| Quantum Hardware | Protocol Implementation on NISQ (Near-Term) Hardware Architecture. |
Application Procedure & Selection Process
- How to Apply: Eligible candidates must submit their application online through the official Google form link provided below.
- Required Documents: Attach a detailed CV, scanned copies of mark sheets and certificates from X class onwards, and a brief Statement of Purpose (SOP) detailing interest in the project topic.
- Queries: For any project-related inquiries, contact
csrc_recruitment@iittp.ac.in. - Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email for an in-person or online interview at IIT Tirupati.
- Official Registration Link:Apply via Official Application Form
Frequently Asked Interview Questions (With Answers & Solution Guidelines)
Unitary $k$-Designs & Quantum Chaos
- Question:“What is a unitary $k$-design, and how do quantum chaotic circuits approximate Haar-random state generation?”
- Answer & Solution Context: Explain that a unitary $k$-design is a finite ensemble of unitary operators that reproduces the Haar measure up to the $k$-th moment. Quantum chaotic circuits, through operator spreading and pseudo-random dynamics, achieve polynomial convergence to $k$-designs faster than global Haar integration, minimizing circuit depth on NISQ hardware.
Tensor Networks in Many-Body Simulations
- Question:“Why are Matrix Product States (MPS) effective for simulating 1D quantum many-body systems, and what limits their scaling in non-integrable/chaotic regimes?”
- Answer & Solution Context: MPS exploits the area law of entanglement entropy in 1D ground states. In chaotic/non-integrable systems undergoing unitary time evolution, entanglement grows linearly ($\sim t$), causing the required bond dimension $D$ to scale exponentially ($D \sim e^t$), making tensor contraction intractable for long times.