Job Reference
263_25_OP_US
Position
Quantum Computing Support Specialist
Closing Date
Wednesday, 30 April, 2025
Reference: 263_25_OP_US
Job title: Quantum Computing Support Specialist
About BSC
The Barcelona Supercomputing Center - Centro Nacional de Supercomputación (BSC-CNS) is the leading supercomputing center in Spain. It houses MareNostrum, one of the most powerful supercomputers in Europe, was a founding and hosting member of the former European HPC infrastructure PRACE (Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe), and is now hosting entity for EuroHPC JU, the Joint Undertaking that leads large-scale investments and HPC provision in Europe. The mission of BSC is to research, develop and manage information technologies in order to facilitate scientific progress. BSC combines HPC service provision and R&D into both computer and computational science (life, earth and engineering sciences) under one roof, and currently has over 1000 staff from 60 countries.
Look at the BSC experience:
BSC-CNS YouTube Channel
Let's stay connected with BSC Folks!
We are particularly interested for this role in the strengths and lived experiences of women and underrepresented groups to help us avoid perpetuating biases and oversights in science and IT research. In instances of equal merit, the incorporation of the under-represented sex will be favoured.
We promote Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, fostering an environment where each and every one of us is appreciated for who we are, regardless of our differences.
If you consider that you do not meet all the requirements, we encourage you to continue applying for the job offer. We value diversity of experiences and skills, and you could bring unique perspectives to our team.
Look at the BSC experience:
BSC-CNS YouTube Channel
Let's stay connected with BSC Folks!
We are particularly interested for this role in the strengths and lived experiences of women and underrepresented groups to help us avoid perpetuating biases and oversights in science and IT research. In instances of equal merit, the incorporation of the under-represented sex will be favoured.
We promote Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, fostering an environment where each and every one of us is appreciated for who we are, regardless of our differences.
If you consider that you do not meet all the requirements, we encourage you to continue applying for the job offer. We value diversity of experiences and skills, and you could bring unique perspectives to our team.
Context And Mission
The Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) coordinates the Quantum Spain project, leading the development of the first quantum computer based on European technology. As part of this initiative, a quantum computer has been installed at BSC headquarters, currently operating with two chips of 5 and 10 qubits, forming the MareNostrum Ona dual partition. This system will progressively integrate quantum chips from different generations, with the goal of reaching 30 qubits by the end of 2025.
Additionally, MareNostrum Ona will include a quantum annealer as part of the EuroQCS project, an initiative within EuroHPC-JU aimed at providing quantum computing services across Europe. The initial system will feature at least 10 physical qubits, with future enhancements improving both qubit count and coherence times.
This new role within the Operations Department will focus on supporting users in utilizing this advanced quantum system, collaborating with project partners to promote quantum computing adoption among Spanish researchers, and assisting in the deployment of the EuroQCS quantum chip, scheduled for installation at BSC in 2026. Training in quantum computing will be provided, making this an excellent opportunity for those looking to enter the field.
Additionally, MareNostrum Ona will include a quantum annealer as part of the EuroQCS project, an initiative within EuroHPC-JU aimed at providing quantum computing services across Europe. The initial system will feature at least 10 physical qubits, with future enhancements improving both qubit count and coherence times.
This new role within the Operations Department will focus on supporting users in utilizing this advanced quantum system, collaborating with project partners to promote quantum computing adoption among Spanish researchers, and assisting in the deployment of the EuroQCS quantum chip, scheduled for installation at BSC in 2026. Training in quantum computing will be provided, making this an excellent opportunity for those looking to enter the field.
Key Duties
- Provide the required user support for the usage of the quantum computer and its simulators.
- Optimize and adapt scientific algorithms to quantum computers.
- Provide consultancy to scientists on quantum computing processors, simulators and other related topics.
- Help to create a Spanish and European quantum computing ecosystem between the different stakeholders (researchers, hosting institutions, companies working with quantum technologies …).
- Prepare and provide the required training to help the different types of users to use the simulators and the quantum computers.
- Collaborate with other functional groups at European and International levels on technical matters related to supporting scientific applications for quantum computers.
Requirements
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Education
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related scientific field relevant to Quantum Computing, such as Physics, Telecommunications, or similar.
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Essential Knowledge and Professional Experience
- Experience in computer programming languages (python required, others will be a plus)
- Experience supporting and collaborating with external partners.
- Good understanding of Linux environment and Shell scripting.
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Additional Knowledge and Professional Experience
- Knowledge about how to work with Quantum computers
- Previous expertise in Quantum computer simulators
- Good level of English, both spoken and written.
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Competences
- A strong willingness to learn new topics and a keen interest in quantum computing hardware and software.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to be able to work within a team to complete tasks on schedule
- Analytical problem-solving ability
Conditions
- The position will be located at BSC within the Operations Department
- We offer a full-time contract (37.5h/week), a good working environment, a highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure, flexible working hours, extensive training plan, restaurant tickets, private health insurance, support to the relocation procedures
- Duration: Open-ended contract due to technical and scientific activities linked to the project and budget duration
- Holidays: 23 paid vacation days plus 24th and 31st of December per our collective agreement
- Salary: we offer a competitive salary commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate and according to the cost of living in Barcelona
- Starting date: As soon as possible
Applications procedure and process
All applications must be submitted via the BSC website and contain:
The selection will be carried out through a competitive examination system ("Concurso-Oposición"). The recruitment process consists of two phases:
- A full CV in English including contact details
- A cover/motivation letter with a statement of interest in English, clearly specifying for which specific area and topics the applicant wishes to be considered. Additionally, two references for further contacts must be included. Applications without this document will not be considered.
Development of the recruitment process
The selection will be carried out through a competitive examination system ("Concurso-Oposición"). The recruitment process consists of two phases:
- Curriculum Analysis: Evaluation of previous experience and/or scientific history, degree, training, and other professional information relevant to the position. - 40 points
- Interview phase: The highest-rated candidates at the curriculum level will be invited to the interview phase, conducted by the corresponding department and Human Resources. In this phase, technical competencies, knowledge, skills, and professional experience related to the position, as well as the required personal competencies, will be evaluated. - 60 points. A minimum of 30 points out of 60 must be obtained to be eligible for the position.
The recruitment panel will be composed of at least three people, ensuring at least 25% representation of women.
In accordance with OTM-R principles, a gender-balanced recruitment panel is formed for each vacancy at the beginning of the process. After reviewing the content of the applications, the panel will begin the interviews, with at least one technical and one administrative interview. At a minimum, a personality questionnaire as well as a technical exercise will be conducted during the process.
The panel will make a final decision, and all individuals who participated in the interview phase will receive feedback with details on the acceptance or rejection of their profile.
At BSC, we seek continuous improvement in our recruitment processes. For any suggestions or comments/complaints about our recruitment processes, please contact recruitment [at] bsc [dot] es.
For more information, please follow this link.
Deadline
The vacancy will remain open until a suitable candidate has been hired. Applications will be regularly reviewed and potential candidates will be contacted.
OTM-R principles for selection processes
BSC-CNS is committed to the principles of the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers of the European Commission and the Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment principles (OTM-R). This is applied for any potential candidate in all our processes, for example by creating gender-balanced recruitment panels and recognizing career breaks etc.
BSC-CNS is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by applicable state or local law.
For more information follow this link
This position is reserved for candidates who meet the requirements and have the legal status of disabled persons with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 33%. In case there are no applicants with disabilities that meet the requirements, the rest of the candidates without declared disability will be evaluated.
BSC-CNS is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by applicable state or local law.
For more information follow this link
This position is reserved for candidates who meet the requirements and have the legal status of disabled persons with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 33%. In case there are no applicants with disabilities that meet the requirements, the rest of the candidates without declared disability will be evaluated.