PhD fellowship in Theoretical Quantum Optics and Quantum Information

The Niels Bohr Institute invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Theoretical Quantum Optics and Quantum Information.  The project will be part of the theoretical quantum optics group and the Center for Hybrid quantum Networks (Hy-Q). 

Start date is (expected to be) September 1st 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project

The project will focus on fault tolerant quantum computation with quantum emitters. In a joint theoretical and experimental effort, we are exploring the possibility of scalable quantum computation based on photon emission from quantum dots containing spin qubits. The Ph.D. project will be on theoretical investigations of architectures for full scale fault-tolerant quantum computation, taking into account realistic imperfection present in the experimental setups. This will combine elements of quantum information theory and theoretical quantum optics.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates within the field of Physics or related areas. Applicants can have a background from theoretical quantum optics or quantum information theory, but we will also consider candidates with different backgrounds.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

The successful applicant will be part of the theoretical quantum optics group and the center of excellence for Hybrid Quantum Networks (Hy-Q) funded by the Danish National Research Foundation. The group consists of roughly 10 post docs, PhD and master students and focus on developing theories for the physical implementation of quantum information processing.  We have a very close collaboration with the experimental activities within Hy-Q, which include optomechanics, single photon emitters and nanophotonics. The center has approximately 50 researchers within quantum networks and is characterized by close daily interactions between the members of the center, both socially and scientifically

The group and center are part of the Quantum Optics Section, the Niels Bohr Institute, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment with strong collaboration with local experimental groups.

Principal supervisor is Prof. Anders Søndberg Sørensen, The Niels Bohr Institute, anders.sorensen@nbi.ku.dk.

The PhD programme

A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme)

Qualifications
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 or quantum Information. 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.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in 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 Quantum Optics and Quantum Information
• Good language skills

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 1 April 2025, 23:59 GMT +2.

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 principal 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.