Hi, I am Tushar Vaidya.
I'm a researcher exploring quantum algorithms and their intersections with partial differential equations (PDEs), theoretical machine learning and algebra. Currently, I'm bridging insights from my past life in random learning models with new projects in quantum computing and probability
I earned my PhD from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) in August 2019, advised by Georgios Piliouras. My thesis, Social Learning Models: Deterministic and Probabilistic Aspects, developed novel discrete and continuous-time models from scratch. Key contributions included new central limit theorems for discrete random dynamical systems and asymptotic results for stochastic differential equations (SDEs) in social learning contexts. I drew on tools from stochastic calculus, dynamical systems, and optimal transport theory. During my PhD, I collaborated with leading experts across Europe, the US, and Asia. And became a proud father to two boys, now fuelling my love for crafting action-packed stories on the fly!
Before SUTD, I studied at the University of Chicago, UC Berkeley, and Warwick University. Earlier in my career, I worked in fixed-income derivatives as a quantitative trader and strategist. While I still appreciate complex problems from mathematical finance, my research trajectory is increasingly converging on rigorous probability theory in all its guises.
Good stories, like good research, are never linear. Let's connect and create some twists!
Lecturer NTU 2026 - I joined the School of Mathematics at NTU as a research-active lecturer. My work sits at the interface of probability, functional analysis, mathematical finance, and quantum algorithms.
Current projects have two main strands. The first develops functional-analytic foundations for quantum algorithms, including Schrödingerization, Hamiltonian simulation, and PDE-based approaches. The second studies stochastic averaging-learning dynamics, with directions toward random graphs, interacting particle systems, voter models, and quantum walks.
Prospective PhD students should apply through the department and are encouraged to reach out if their interests align with the areas above. Candidates should be willing to chase epsilons and deltas. An inequality a day will serve you well, line by line. Funding opportunities are expected to expand as the research programme develops. Possible PhD project directions include rigorous statistical mechanics, Schrödingerization methods, voter models, stochastic averaging-learning dynamics and quantum walks. Projects may be algorithmic, probabilistic, or analytic depending on the student’s background.
A strong foundation is critical. Ideal preparation includes at least two of the following three areas:
Probability: Measure-theoretic foundations, stochastic processes, and martingales. You should be comfortable with either continuous models (such as Brownian motion and SDEs) or discrete models (such as Markov chains, random graphs, and interacting particle systems).
Functional Analysis: Banach and Hilbert spaces, operator theory, and exposure to partial differential equations.
Quantum Algorithms: Fluency with Nielsen & Chuang. Familiarity with QSVT, block encoding or Hamiltonian simulation is highly valued.
I look for strength in two of these domains; the third can be cultivated during your PhD. Candidates with exceptional strength in a single area, specifically coming from a Theoretical Computer Science (TCS), Mathematical Physics (MP) or Operations Research (OR) background are also welcome.
Final Year Projects (NTU only): Projects explore how randomness, computation, and quantum dynamics interact. Topics include stochastic processes, quantum walks, Schrödingerization of PDEs, interacting particle systems, and computational finance. Some projects are proof-oriented; others involve numerical simulation and quantum software implementation.
Research Fellow NTU 2022 - 2025 I worked in Milé Gu's quantum group. The transition to physics had a phase change! I also worked with Patrick Pun. I pursued independent research prior to beginning my lectureship. This independent phase heavily focused on formalising quantum algorithms and simulations. Active projects included a large-scale paper on the quantum simulation of the Heston PDE and work to rigorously ground Schrödingerization using Gelfand triples. A textbook is also being prepared for mathematicians or mathematically minded scientists entering the quantum space.
Postdoctoral Fellow Temasek Labs - SUTD 2019 - 2022 I was a postdoc under Ernest Chong in ISTD. Our project aim was to bring together aspects of Algebraic Geometry and Commutative Algebra to machine reasoning and general AI. We have a working model of solving AI problems and the first paper appeared in CVPR 2023. Another paper, with a different team, was on using tropical algebra for adapter pruning in neural networks.
Research Interests: Pure probability, functional analysis, quantum algorithms, and algebraic geometry. Generally, I like problems to come from complex dynamical situations and then think about the rigorous theory. I prefer problems that have some randomness and require mathematical formalization. Recently, my focus has shifted heavily toward infinite-dimensional probability and formalizing quantum algorithms (like Schrödingerization). I am also continuing to look at computational algebraic geometry applied to artificial intelligence, with probability always inherent in whatever I do. The process of mastering algebra is ongoing, but still, one day I hope to be called an algebraic probabilist!
Thesis:
Collaborators and friends: Ionel Popescu, Ioannis Panageas, Niels Nygaard, Darren Rhea, Sai Ganesh Nagarajan, Mark Dragan, Thiparat Chotibut, Curt Hansen, Yuri Balasanov, Rishabh Bhardwaj, Ranjith Nair, Patrick (Chi Seng) Pun, Triscia Mundo, Dax Koh.
Contact me on LinkedIn if you prefer a more business-like environment. If you feel passionately about volatility smiles and multiagent systems, I would be happy to hear from you.
Service: I am a reviewer for AISTATS, Royal Society Open Science, WINE, Statistics and Computing, Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence, Neurips and Quantitative Finance. I am on the program committee for ACM ICAIF and AAAI.
Or by email:
@gmail.com