The Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) is establishing a talented and diverse international team to create a cutting-edge quantum programme in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark. At the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, where the formulation of Quantum Mechanics was born 100 years ago, we aim to establish an international quantum computing programme, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, that will drive research and innovations at multiple levels - from developing scalable quantum processor technologies to solutions for the quantum-classical control and readout interface, and all the way to quantum algorithms and applications. The long-term mission of the programme is to develop fault-tolerant quantum computing hardware and quantum algorithms that solve life-science-relevant chemical and biological problems.

Start date is June 1st 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project

We use ultra-cold atoms in optical traps to realize novel interaction-types that are useful in quantum simulation, computing and for the quantum sensing world.

The PhD project will consist of investigations of Cavity-mediated atomic interactions on a platform of ultra-cold neutral strontium atoms. Using cavities to enable infinite-range interactions and realizing high cooperativity to allow entanglement generation.

You will be part of the design and construction of a new experiment focused on the generation of atomic entanglement through high-cooperativity cavities.

As a PhD fellow in our research group you will become part of an ambitious and fast-moving research environment that wants to push fundamental understanding of variable-range interactions in neutral atoms and apply that understanding to the development of computational capability.

Who are we?

At the NQCP we operate with four pilot lines pushing to develop efficient quantum computing on a range of different qubit platforms. The Neutral atoms pilot line is pursuing the use of neutral atom qubits trapped in optical lattices with controlled short-and long-range interactions. We are dedicated to push the boundaries of atom-based quantum computing systems and to integrate neutral atoms into future hybrid quantum systems. Our work on this currently focuses on

• Cavity-based interaction systems
• Developing novel and fast read-write schemes in neutral atom platforms
• Analog quantum simulations for algorithm development
• Collective interaction as a quantum memory resource

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for highly motivated candidates that have a background in Physic, or Electrical Engineering. Experimental/computational competences and experience within quantum physics are important. We hope to get applications from enthusiastic students with loads of academic drive, a flair for building set-ups and experimental ingenuity.

The Scientific environment

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment hosted by the NNF Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen.

Supervisors:

Principal Supervisor: Professor Jan W. Thomsen

CO- supervisor: Assistant Professor Stefan Alaric Schäffer (schaffer@nbi.ku.dk)

The PhD programme

A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.

Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. Physics. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

The terms of employment and salary are in accordance to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure. Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance.

Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision

• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in Physics
• Excellent language skills

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Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include: 

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
4. Publication list (if possible)
5. Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is March 16th 2025, 23:59 GMT +1.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the co-supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.