PhD fellowship in Quantum Optics, Atomic Physics and Materials Science

PhD Project in advancing quantum optics, atomic physics and materials growth.

Niels Bohr Institute
Faculty of SCIENCE
University of Copenhagen

The Novo Nordisk Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) at the Niels Bohr Institute invites applications for a PhD fellowship in quantum physics and materials science, focusing on cutting-edge quantum optics and crystal growth. This prestigious opportunity is based in Copenhagen, at the Niels Bohr Institute, where quantum mechanics was first pioneered over a century ago.

The anticipated start date is 1 May 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

About the Programme

The NQCP, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, aims to develop a fault-tolerant quantum computer platform to address critical challenges in life sciences. This ambitious initiative brings together a diverse team of scientists dedicated to innovating novel fabrication techniques for quantum circuits.

The Project

This PhD project aims to advance quantum materials growth with unprecedented precision, cleanliness, and purity. Leveraging the latest advancements in quantum optics and atomic manipulation, this project pushes crystal growth processes to new heights. Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) technology will be utilized to fabricate quantum circuits under tightly controlled conditions, bringing atoms into play at the single-atom level for an unprecedented approach to crystal growth.

The position offers collaboration with all other teams at NQCP, including the Tools Development Team, Platform Integration Teams, Characterization Team, the Quantum Foundry together with international research partners. The PhD fellow will design UHV apparatuses and control systems for sophisticated crystal growth, incorporating quantum optics and atomic physics techniques to pioneer a new field in physics. Given the sensitive and high-impact nature of this work, please contact us directly for further project details.

Role and Responsibilities

• Engage in collaborative research to refine crystal growth techniques for quantum applications.
• Design and implement UHV apparatus and control systems for crystal growth and quantum circuit fabrication.
• Work closely with interdisciplinary teams to innovate MBE processes.
• Conduct research within a vibrant, international environment aimed at pushing the boundaries of quantum circuit development.

The Ideal Candidate

We seek motivated candidates with a master’s degree in Physics, Nano-Science, or Electrical Engineering, specializing in Atomic Physics, Laser Physics, Optics, Quantum Optics, Materials Science, or Crystal Growth. Successful candidates will have:

• Strong experimental and computational skills.
• A passion for experimental setup building and a talent for innovation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic research environment.

Scientific Environment

This fellowship offers a stimulating work atmosphere with highly motivated colleagues within the Novo Nordisk Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP), part of the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen. The team at UHV Tech Laboratory is expanding rapidly, working closely with engineers and materials scientists across the NQCP.

Principal supervisor: Professor Jan W. Thomsen, [email protected]

Co-supervisor: Professor Peter Krogstrup, [email protected]



The PhD programme

Depending of 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.

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Option A: 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.

Option B: Getting into a position on the integrated MSc and PhD programme

Qualifications needed for the integrated MSc and PhD programme

If you do not have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master´s degree, you might be qualified for the integrated MSc and PhD programme, if you have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish bachelor´s degree. Here you can find out, if that is relevant for you: General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of the integrated programme
To be eligible for the integrated scholarship, you are (or are eligible to be) enrolled at one of the faculty’s master programmes in physics or quantum information science.

Students on the integrated programme will enroll as PhD students simultaneously with completing their enrollment in this MSc degree programme.

The duration of the integrated programme is up to five years, and depends on the amount of credits that you have passed on your MSc programme. For further information about the study programme, please see: www.science.ku.dk/phd, “Study Structures”.

Until the MSc degree is obtained, (when exactly two years of the full 3+5 programme remains), the grant will be paid partly in the form of 48 state education grant portions (in Danish: “SU-klip”) plus salary for work (teaching, supervision etc.) totalling a workload of 150 working hours per year.
A PhD grant portion is currently (2024) DKK 6.820 before tax.

When you have obtained the MSc degree, you will transfer to the salary-earning part of the scholarship for a period of two years. At that point, the terms of employment and payment will be according 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:

• 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 15 January, 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 http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Questions
nterested candidates are encouraged to contact Professor Jan W. Thomsen ([email protected]) or Professor Peter Krogstrup ([email protected]) for additional information.

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.