Assistant Professor in Quantum Optics, Atomic Physics and Materials Science

About the Programme

The NQCP, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, aims to develop a fault-tolerant quantum computer platform to address critical challenges in life sciences. This ambitious initiative brings together a diverse team of scientists dedicated to innovating novel fabrication techniques for quantum circuits.

The Project

The assistant professor will lead and work on a project that aims to advance quantum materials growth with unprecedented precision, cleanliness, and purity. Leveraging the latest advancements in quantum optics and atomic manipulation, this project pushes crystal growth processes to new heights. Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) technology will be utilized to fabricate quantum circuits under tightly controlled conditions, bringing atoms into play at the single-atom level for an unprecedented approach to crystal growth.

The position offers collaboration with all other teams at NQCP, including the Tools Development Team, Platform Integration Teams, Characterization Team, the Quantum Foundry together with international research partners. The post doc will design UHV apparatuses and control systems for sophisticated crystal growth, incorporating quantum optics and atomic physics techniques to pioneer a new field in physics. Given the sensitive and high-impact nature of this work, please contact us directly for further project details.

Role and Responsibilities

• Lead and engage in collaborative research to refine crystal growth techniques for quantum applications.
• Design and implement UHV apparatus and control systems for crystal growth and quantum circuit fabrication.
• Work closely with interdisciplinary teams to innovate MBE processes.
• Conduct research within a vibrant, international environment aimed at pushing the boundaries of quantum circuit development.

The Ideal Candidate

We seek motivated candidates with a phd degree in Physics, Nano-Science, or Electrical Engineering, specializing in Atomic Physics, Laser Physics, Optics, Quantum Optics, Materials Science, or Crystal Growth. We expect you to have post doc experience in relevant fields as listed above. Successful candidates will have:

• Strong experimental and computational skills.
• A passion for experimental setup building and a talent for innovation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic research environment.

Scientific Environment

The assistant professor offers a stimulating work atmosphere with highly motivated colleagues within the Novo Nordisk Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP), part of the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen. The team at UHV Tech Laboratory is expanding rapidly, working closely with engineers and materials scientists across the NQCP.

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, internationally competitive research. The ability to attract external funding will be considered together with outreach qualifications. Teaching qualifications are not mandatory but documented teaching qualifications and teaching experience will be considered.

Six overall criteria apply for assistant professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates. Furthermore, each candidate must be assessed according to the specific requirements stated in the job advertisement. Please read more at jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/dokumenter-til-meritering/5a_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Assistant_professors.pdf 

Further information on the Department is linked at www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/

Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Jan W. Thomsen, jwt@nbi.ku.dk or Professor Peter Krogstrup, krogstrup@nbi.ku.dk

The working time is 37 hours per week on average and the working hours are flexible. The anticipated start date is 1 March 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position is limited to a period of four years and appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.
Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• If available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications - please describe and document:
  • Experience with supervision of BSc and MSc students
  • Teaching experience
  • Formal pedagogical training
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 11 December 2024, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen – or SCIENCE – is Denmark's largest science research and education institution with 4,000 employees and 9,700 Bachelor and master students in 12 departments. The faculty has an annual budget of DKK 3 billion. 

Learn more about The Faculty of Science at www.science.ku.dk