PhD Projects in quantum computing for chemistry and life-science (Algorithms & Applications)

The newly established Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) is building a talented and diverse international team to create a cutting-edge program in the heart of Copenhagen at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, where the formulation of quantum mechanics was born 100 years ago. The ambition is to build a mission-driven, full-stack approach which will involve exciting innovations at every level, from the quantum processor to the quantum-classical interface all the way to quantum algorithms and applications.  The vision of the programme is to enable the development of fault-tolerant quantum computing hardware and quantum algorithms that solve important chemical problems in the life-sciences and sustainability.

NQCP invites applicants for PhD fellowships in the Algorithms & Applications (A&A) section within this area.

Start date is 1 October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter during 2025.

The projects

We are interested in developing a project plan with prospective candidates to suit their skills and experience. Current priority areas for A&A are:

• Quantum algorithm development
• Quantum resource estimation for different hardware platforms
• Strategies to open up new application areas for quantum computing in life-science and sustainability
• Strategies to reduce barriers to entry for chemists/life-scientists interested in quantum computing applications
• Exploration of new use cases for quantum computing in chemistry and life-science.

A project can span one or multiple of these areas.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for motivated candidates from any of the many fields spanning quantum resource estimation, quantum algorithms and all the way to areas of use cases/applications of quantum algorithms in chemistry and life-science. Applicants can have a background from Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Materials Science, Life-Science and/or Medicine. In all cases, theoretical/computational skills and experience are important.

The Scientific environment

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

Principal supervisor would be either Gemma C. Solomon (gsolomon@chem.ku.dk) , Nina Glaser (ngl@chem.ku.dk) or Frederik Nathan (frederik.nathan@nbi.ku.dk), depending on the project.

The PhD programme

Depending on your level of education, you can undertake the PhD programme as either:

Option A: 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.

Option B: An up to five year full-time study programme within the framework of the integrated MSc and PhD programme (the 3+5 scheme), if you do not have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master´s degree – but you have an education equivalent to a Danish bachelors´s degree.

Getting into a position on the regular PhD programme

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 both PhD programmes

• Complete and pass the MSc education in accordance with the curriculum of the MSc programme

 (ONLY when you are attending the integrated MSc and 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:

• Academic and 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 computing and life science.
• Willingness to work in a team
• Willingness to engage with quantum computing hardware developers
• Good language and communication 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 9 June 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 Gemma C. Solomon, gsolomon@chem.ku.dk

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.