Join us
We are recruiting PhD students and research assistants in quantum many-body computation and quantum computation, jointly with Prof. Xi Dai's group at HKUST (Clear Water Bay). Applications are reviewed year-round.
What you will learn
- World-class scientific computing. Not boring engineering practice — training in computational complexity, mathematics, and algorithms, building on our open-source stack (Yao.jl, OMEinsum, GenericTensorNetworks.jl).
- Quantum algorithm design, including algorithms for neutral-atom (Rydberg) systems — experience from the Lukin group at Harvard.
- Computational complexity theory — one of the ultimate questions statistical physics hopes to explore.
- AI-native research workflows. We treat human-AI collaboration as a first-class research skill: test-driven vibe coding, agent automation, reproducible software. See our blog.
- Collaboration and travel — long-term visits to Clear Water Bay, and strong support for attending international conferences.
How we work
- Topic-based discussion on HKUST-GZ Zulip; a WeChat group for lunch and coffee.
- All code on GitHub — CodingThrust — mostly in Julia.
- Papers shared via Zotero.
- Live coding with Jin-Guo every Friday, 20:00 GMT+8 (calendar).
Required reading
- Nielsen & Chuang, Quantum Computation and Quantum Information.
- Moore & Mertens, The Nature of Computation.
- Golub & Van Loan, Matrix Computations.
More training material: our book Scientific Computing for Physicists, the CodingClub repo (git, shell, cluster, MPI), and MIT's Missing Semester.
Requirements
- Integrity and a cooperative personality — willing to consult others and to help.
- Quantum mechanics (required); quantum computing is a plus.
- Pluses: Linux, git, a programming language (Julia recommended), data structures.
- PhD applicants need a bachelor's degree and English proficiency per HKUST(GZ) admission rules (TOEFL ≥ 80 or IELTS ≥ 6.5, unless your prior degree was taught in English).
- RA positions suit bachelor's graduates preparing a PhD application (a common on-ramp — RAs can apply for the PhD program while working with us).
How to apply
- Email jinguoliu@hkust-gz.edu.cn with your CV, transcript, and any publications. Subject line: position + your name.
- Suitable candidates are interviewed by group members about background, skills, and research interests.
- Openings remain valid until filled.