Post-Doc Position in Logics for Quantum Interaction (EXPIRED)

Vacancy number W12-106

A 2,5 year Post-Doc position is available at the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation at the University of Amsterdam. The candidate will join the Vidi project of Dr. Sonja Smets.

VIDI Project: ‘Reasoning about quantum interaction: Logical modelling and verification of multi-agent quantum protocols’:

As for classical computing, logic is expected to play an essential role in the understanding of quantum computation and quantum information, and especially in the formal verification of quantum communication protocols. Such multi-agent applications involve quantum information flow and classical knowledge transfer (by classical communication) between the agents. So one of our aims in the Vidi research project is to develop the logical tools for modelling complex situations where different types of informational dynamics (classical and quantum) are combined. Our goal is to develop and use a combined classical-quantum logic for the full specification and formal verification of agent-based quantum protocols for secure communication. Towards this goal, we propose to use formalisms based on modal logic, especially combinations of dynamic (or temporal) logics and epistemic (or “spatial") logics. But other logical formalisms, such as probabilistic logic, linear logic and coalgebraic logic (or categorical logic, in general), are also useful in this context.

Tasks:

The task of the post-doctoral researcher is to join the Vidi team working on the development of the above mentioned logical tools for 1) the verification of quantum protocols where probabilities play an essential role (such as in Quantum Key Distribution) and 2) the study of the (classical and quantum) information flow in protocols dealing with the anonymity of an agent’s identity such as in the Quantum Dining Cryptographers and Quantum Electronic Voting.

Requirements:

We are looking for candidates with a strong interest in Quantum Information Theory and Logic (especially in any of the areas such as Modal Logic, Epistemic Logic, Dynamic Logic, Linear Logic, Categorical Logic or Quantum Logic).

Candidates should have (or obtain before 1st  June 2012) a PhD degree in any area connected to Logic, Physics, Computer Science, Philosophy or Mathematics. Fluent English is a prerequisite.

Appointment:

The postdoc position will be awarded for a period of 30 months. The gross monthly salary will range between € 2.379,- and € 3.755,- per month. The successful applicant will work under the daily supervision of Dr. S. Smets. The main focus of the appointment is on research, but can include moderate teaching duties in subjects relevant to the candidate's research activities.

Applications should include:

• a curriculum vitae
• a letter of motivation (at most 1 page)  explaining why you are interested in this position
• a Research Statement (at most 2 pages) explaining your research interests and how you think they can be related to the topic mentioned in the abovementioned Job Description
• a copy of your most important research paper, which appeared or has been submitted for publication to a scientific journal (can be co-authored)
• a short summary of your PhD thesis in maximum 2 pages
• the name and contact details (including email address) of three referees who can provide details about your profile (one of which could be the main supervisor of your PhD thesis)

Applications, quoting the vacancy number and marked 'strictly confidential' in the upper left-hand corner of the envelope, should be sent to: Universiteit van Amsterdam, Personeelszaken FNWI, Postbus 94216, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Applications may also be emailed (email address on our website), stating the vacancy number in the subject line and including relevant documents as attachments.

The closing date for application is 6 June, 2012.

For further information, please contact Dr. Sonja Smets at the email address below.