211-2421/26-2H PhD fellowships in experimental superconducting quantum information devices Full-time NEW

PhD Fellowships In Experimental Superconducting Quantum Information Devices

We are seeking candidates for 2-3 PhD fellowships in the field of experimental superconducting quantum information devices.

Overview: Our lab explores novel and high-coherence superconducting circuits across multiple directions and are looking for PhD-level researchers to work in the areas of novel superconducting two-qubit couplers/gates, reservoir-engineered/bosonic encodings (e.g., GKP) in superconducting circuits and larger-scale superconducting processors aimed at early quantum error correction experiments (e.g., surface-code primitives). Candidates will have the freedom to shape their research within this landscape in close collaboration with our team and theory partners.

The successful PhD candidates will combine nanofabrication, superconducting circuit design (including device simulation and modeling), low-temperature experiments in cryofree dilution refrigerators using low-noise and high-frequency electrical measurement techniques. Depending on your interests, you might, for example:

• Design and realize dissipatively stabilized GKP qubits, develop control, characterization and tomographical methods for encoded states, and analyze noise and error channels.
• Engineer and benchmark novel coupler architectures to enable fast, low-error two-qubit gates while mitigating crosstalk and unwanted interactions.
• Fabricate and bring up larger superconducting processors, develop robust calibration and automation, and execute early QEC protocols (e.g., parity checks and syndrome extraction) to probe stability and performance.

The projects will be part of the Superconducting Quantum Information and Devices Lab (SQuID Lab), at the Novo Nordisk Quantum Computing Programme located at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen.

Applicants should hold a masters degree in physics, preferably with relevant experimental experience.

Scientific writing and communication will be in English.

The position is open from 1 October 2026 or by arrangement. The duration of the PhD Programme is three years.

Inquiries about the projects can be made to PI Associate Professor Morten Kjaergaard (mkjaergaard@nbi.ku.dk), co-PIs Research Scientist Jacob Hastrup (jacob.hastrup@nbi.ku.dk) and Assistant Professor Svend Krøjer (svend.moeller@nbi.ku.dk). Principal supervisor is Associate Professor Morten Kjaergaard, Niels Borh Institute, mkjaergaard@nbi.ku.dk

Description of the scientific environment: The Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) is establishing a talented and diverse international team to create a cutting-edge quantum programme in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark. Funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, NQCP will drive research and innovations at multiple levels – from developing scalable quantum processor technologies to solutions for the quantum-classical control and readout interface, and all the way to quantum algorithms and applications. The long-term mission of the programme is to develop fault-tolerant quantum computing hardware and quantum algorithms that solve life-science-relevant chemical and biological problems.

Further information about NQCP can be found at www.nqcp.ku.dk.

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project, i.e., experience with some of the following: superconducting qubits, nanofabrication, device modeling, cryogenic measurements, etc.
• Relevant publications.
• Relevant work experience.
• Other relevant professional activities.
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in superconducting qubit development.
• Good language skills.

Responsibilities and tasks in the 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.

The PhD programme

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. [relevant educations]. 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.

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance.

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 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, including motivation and preferred research direction).
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. If possible, please list up to three scientists that you have worked with closely in your past research. (We will contact you for your consent if we wish to contact these.)

Application deadline: The deadline for applications is Sunday 10 May 2026, 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 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.