PhD Projects in Theoretical Quantum Optics and Quantum Information

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

The starting date is (expected to be) 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. An earlier starting date may also be a possibility.

The projects

Two different projects are available

1. Quantum Internet technology. This project will be part of the Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA), a joint European network aiming at bulding the world’s first quantum internet protype within the duration of the Ph.D. project. The successful candidate will develop physical models of the system being built with the aim of predicting and optimizing its performance. In addition the project will develop general theories for quantum internet technologies and methods for describing them.
2. Scalable quantum information processing based on quantum dots. The projects aims at developing theories for how to implement quantum information processing with quantum dots strongly coupled to light and will be a collaboration with experimentalists at the Niels Bohr Institute, Ruhr-Universität Bochum and the University of Basel. The goal is to both develop concrete proposals for experiments which can be implemented in the near future and long term architectures for quantum information processors.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates within the field of Physics, Quantum Information Processing 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 15 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

Principal supervisor is Prof. Anders Søndberg Sørensen, The Niels Bohr Institute, wolfsavannahxcarrollemckeeanders.sorensen@nbi.kuhammondphillips-porter.dk.

The PhD

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 or Quantum Information Science. 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

• 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 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 including a statement about your preference for the two projects (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 or Master 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)

When you will be affiliated with the University of Copenhagen or otherwise have access to their research, you may be required to undergo a background screening. The purpose is to protect the security and research integrity of the University of Copenhagen.

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is 15 April 2026, 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. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held 14-24 April 2026.

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.