Despite great advances in both algorithms and computer technology, even typical cases of many well-known mathematical optimization problems are too difficult to be solved on today's computers. Unconventional approaches that break with the usual paradigms of digital electronic computers can help overcome these limitations. Optical spin glass simulation is a novel method for solving such computationally intensive problems more efficiently.

Optical spin glass simulators are designed to simulate the physical behavior of disordered magnets close to zero temperature. This so-called spin glass problem has the same mathematical structure as many important mathematical optimization problems that arise in everyday life. A method for solving the spin glass problem can thus serve as a blueprint for solving mathematical problems in machine learning, logistics, computer chip design, and DNA sequencing - to name a few.

The BEC-NETWORK project aims to build and study an optical simulator for classical spin models that consists of a network of coupled photon Bose-Einstein condensates in an optical microresonator. The project was recently funded by the European Research Council (ERC) with 2 million Euros for the next five years. Our group is looking for two PhD students and a postdoc to make this project a reality. Your task is to advance the work in our laboratories with experimental skill and a good theoretical understanding. If you enjoy treading unconventional paths, you've come to the right place.

The positions can be filled immediately. For more information, please contact Dr. Jan Klärs (Adaptive Quantum Optics) by sending an email to j.klaers@utwente.nl.

• Master's degree in physics, preferably with a specialization in quantum optics.
• Experimental skill and a good understanding of theory (quantum mechanics, statistical physics).
• You are a self-motivating person who enjoys solving a challenging task in a team of like-minded people.

• As a PhD student at the University of Twente, you will be appointed on a fulltime position for 4 years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a stimulating scientific environment.
• Salary and conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will receive a salary ranging from €2.395,- gross per month at the start to €3.061,- in the fourth year.
• Additional benefits include a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a year-end bonus of 8.3% and a solid pension scheme.

The postdoc position is set for 2-3 years. Further details upon request.