PhD scholarships in Experimental Quantum Physics & Quantum Information Science - DTU Physics

The Quantum Physics & Information Technology (QPIT) group at DTU Physics is seeking exceptional individuals to join our team as PhD students. We specialize in quantum information processing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing using cutting-edge technologies such as quantum optics, quantum optomechanics, and diamond physics. Our research is primarily focused on fundamental exploration, while also promoting innovation and fostering industry partnerships.

As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to work alongside 50 talented individuals, including faculty members, postdocs and engineers. Our research center is supported by numerous organizations such as the Danish National Research Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Villum Foundation, Innovation Foundation Denmark, Carlsberg Foundation, the Independent Research Fund Denmark and the EU. Located in the vibrant city of Lyngby, just 20 km north of Copenhagen, DTU is renowned as one of the highest-ranked technical universities in Europe.

What we're looking for:
We are seeking extraordinary physicists and engineers who possess exceptional talents and a drive for making significant scientific progress. We value academic excellence. Moreover, we are looking for individuals with exceptional ideation skills and the ability to bring their ideas to life. Your internal drive and passion for groundbreaking research matter the most to us.

What we offer:
Joining our team will provide you with numerous benefits, including:

• The opportunity to explore completely new regimes of physics and information, both theoretically and experimentally.
• An exceptional research group at the forefront of quantum science.
• A friendly and professional research environment with support from supervisors, colleagues, and technical/administrative staff.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and collaboration with brilliant international scientists.
• Competitive university salaries and tax deduction benefits for foreign researchers.
• Support for travel to workshops, conferences, and schools.
• Career planning support for PhD students.

What we expect:
To thrive in our team, we expect the following from you:

• Enthusiasm for tackling large challenges and a passion for solving them.
• An extraordinary drive to achieve groundbreaking results.
• The ability to work collaboratively in a team with an open-minded spirit, embracing both teaching and learning opportunities.
• A genuine interest in discussing physics and engaging in thoughtful conversations.
• Making things work.

Open PhD projects
Quantum technologies are rapidly advancing, with demonstrated quantum advantage in computing, communication, and sensing. However, to unlock their full potential, fundamental challenges remain - particularly in scaling quantum systems, improving error tolerance, and achieving quantum control in practical settings. These PhD projects focus on developing continuous-variable (CV) quantum technologies that operate in the macroscopic domain, paving the way for next-generation quantum information processing.

Continuous variable quantum information processing
Harness continuous-variable quantum states of light - such as squeezed, entangled, and non-Gaussian states - as powerful resources for:

• Quantum communication, enabling secure and high-bandwidth information transfer,
• Quantum computing, leveraging CV cluster states for fault-tolerant quantum processing,
• Extreme quantum sensing, surpassing classical precision limits for metrology and imaging,
• Fundamental tests of quantum mechanics, exploring macroscopic quantum phenomena.

Continuous variable quantum opto-mechanics
Explore quantum control of acoustic and vibrational modes in pristine crystals and micromechanical oscillators using continuous-variable quantum techniques to:

• Prepare non-classical states of mechanical modes, pushing macroscopic quantum physics forward,
• Develop low-loss CV detection schemes for high-fidelity quantum measurements,
• Implement CV quantum protocols for quantum-limited force and motion sensing.

Applicable for all scholarships

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information  
Further information may be obtained from Professor Ulrik L. Andersen, [email protected] .

You can read more about us on bigQ - Center for Macroscopic Quantum States   and DTU Physics .  

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 11 April 2025 23:59 (Danish time) . Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale.

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.