Quantum Simulation Engineer

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) at the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen is looking for a junior or senior Quantum Device Simulation/Electronic Design Automation (EDA) expert to work closely with the Quantum engineering teams in the quest of identifying truly scalable processors for fault tolerant quantum computing.

Role description
You will be part of a thriving quantum eco-system at the Niels Bohr Institute interacting with international/national collaborators and on-site quantum companies specialized in e.g. qubit measurements and quantum error correction algorithms. In this role, you will contribute directly to the design, simulation, and optimization of superconducting qubit chips and support the scaling of these devices toward large‑scale quantum architectures.

In this position your key responsibilities will include:

• Designing chip layouts for fabrication and experimental validation
• Simulating and optimizing device performance across multiple design iterations
• Developing, maintaining, and enforcing design rules, workflows, and EDA-based‑ layout processes
• Efficiently managing, processing, and analyzing both simulation data and key design parameters
• Collaborating across disciplines to ensure seamless integration between design, fabrication, and measurement workflows
• Contributing to the development and exploration of new device concepts, simulation methods, and architectures that push the state of the art in superconducting quantum technologies
• Supporting efforts to scale chip designs—from single ‑device optimization to architectures suitable for large‑scale, fault tolerant‑ quantum computing
• Participating in feedback loops connecting simulation, fabrication, and cryogenic characterization to accelerate learning and performance improvements

The programme has a strong focus on materials R&D for realizing state-of-the-art quantum processor technologies, which will be synthesized in ultra-high vacuum facilities as it is expected to be essential for improving qubit performance through material optimization (multimillion DKK investment by the partnership company Quantum Foundry P/S).

About you
We expect you to play an active role in driving the design and development of chip-based superconducting qubit platforms. You will contribute to shaping architectures that can ultimately scale toward ‑fault tolerant‑ quantum computing. As part of this effort, you will collaborate closely with both theoretical and experimental teams across NQCP, QF, and on‑site quantum companies.

You enjoy working at the intersection of simulation, device physics, and chip design, and you are motivated by iterative, feedback driven development cycles involving design, fabrication, and characterization. You bring strong analytical skills and are eager to expand your expertise‑—whether that means deepening your understanding of superconducting qubits or getting up to speed with EDA and integrated circuit‑ design workflows.

You thrive in collaborative environments, communicate clearly across disciplines, and are excited by the opportunity to contribute to a rapidly growing quantum technology‑ ecosystem.

Qualifications
The successful candidate will have some of the following core qualifications:

• Master’s degree or PhD in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field
• Basic programming skills in python for data handling, automation, and analysis
• Ability to work collaboratively across simulation, fabrication, and measurement efforts
• Strong analytical skills and willingness to learn new simulation and design tools

You may be a strong candidate if you have expertise in one or more of the following areas:

Profile A: Quantum device & physics background

• Experience with superconducting devices, microwave engineering, or circuit QED
• Understanding of qubit design principles (e.g., transmons, resonators, couplers)
• Familiarity with cryogenic measurement environments or quantum device characterization
• Experience with finite element‑ simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL)

Profile B: Semiconductor/EDA/IC design background

• Experience with integrated circuit design tools (e.g., Synopsys Custom Compiler, Cadence Virtuoso)
• Familiarity with design rule checking (DRC) and layout verification workflows
• Knowledge of cleanroom fabrication processes or chip design‑ constraints
• Experience handling structured design data or version-controlled‑ design flows

Why Us?
We want to make Denmark a world leader in quantum research, and we hope to attract people from all over the world.

Life in Denmark is supported with strong social services (free universal healthcare, free/subsidised language courses, paid parental leave, subsidised day care institutions and excellent public schools). Our work culture is very egalitarian and prioritises work life balance. Dual career families are the norm, and workplaces offer flexibility to support everyone in having both an exciting career and good family time. Danish cities are known for having excellent infrastructure, for example through widespread bike path networks. We can also offer a thriving food-scene, excellent museums, and beautiful natural scenery.

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 salary and employment
The employment and salary are made in accordance with the Circular on the Collective Agreement concerning academics in the state sector concluded between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Employment will be as academic officer or senior consultant. The salary is based on seniority. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible. The working time are 37 hours per week on average and the working hours are flexible.

The positions are limited in time until 31st of May 2029.

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance.

Your application
Please send an electronic application with attachment.

Please include:

• Curriculum vitae, including a short cover letter.
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Publication list (if relevant)

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

The positions are open from 1st of June 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The deadline for applications is 30th of April 2026, 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.

More info
For further information please contact Benjamin Joecker, benjamin.joecker@nbi.ku.dk or Mark K. Svendsen, mark.svendsen@nbi.ku.dk.