Postdoc in Quantum Computing for Bioinformatics, University of Amsterdam (Q-MMD)
Job Description
This postdoc in quantum computing for bioinformatics at the University of Amsterdam sits inside the national Quantum Simulation for Molecular and Material Design (Q-MMD) programme, and asks a practical question: where can a quantum computer actually help with biological data?
At a glance
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher, 18 months, 38 hours a week
- Where: Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Pay: €3,706 to €5,760 a month, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end allowance
- Apply by: 31 October 2026
About the role: quantum computing for bioinformatics
You would build and test quantum algorithm prototypes for biological problems, with a choice of directions that includes protein structure and enzyme specificity, or the analysis of DNA sequences. The work runs from surveying which quantum methods are plausible for a given problem, through designing proof-of-concept studies, to benchmarking honestly against the classical methods already used in the field. Collaboration with the institute’s bioinformatics groups is part of the job, as is leading publications and writing software that others can reuse. It is an interdisciplinary post: the group is looking for someone who can hold a conversation with both quantum information people and working biologists.
Eligibility
The advertisement asks for a PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, quantum computing or a related field, together with strong programming skills. You are expected to bring real depth in either quantum computation or bioinformatics and computational biology, rather than both, and to be willing to learn the other side. Fluent English and a demonstrated ability to work in an interdisciplinary team are also listed.
Salary and duration
The post is a temporary appointment of 18 months at 38 hours a week, with a probationary period of three months. Gross monthly pay runs from €3,706 to €5,760 depending on experience, on the Dutch universities’ collective agreement, with the usual 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance on top.
How to apply
Applications go through the university’s own careers portal, and the advertisement asks for a detailed CV, a publication list and the contact details of two referees. Read the full conditions and apply on the official University of Amsterdam vacancy page. More postdoctoral openings are listed on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: University of Amsterdam
Official advertisement: werkenbij.uva.nl
How to prepare for the University of Amsterdam application
- Pick your side before you write. The advert wants depth in either quantum computation or bioinformatics; say plainly which one you bring and show you understand the vocabulary of the other.
- Name a concrete biological problem you would attack first, and why it suits a quantum approach. A vague enthusiasm for quantum advantage reads badly in a programme built around honest benchmarking.
- Be ready to discuss classical baselines. The role explicitly involves benchmarking against existing methods, so know what the strongest classical tool for your chosen problem currently achieves.
- Bring evidence of code others have used: a repository, a package, a contribution to an existing tool. Software development is written into the duties.
- Have two referees lined up who can speak to interdisciplinary work, not just your thesis topic.
About the University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam is the largest of the Dutch research universities. This post sits at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences within the Faculty of Science, and is funded through Q-MMD, a national programme on quantum simulation for molecular and material design.
