211-2467/26-2H PhD fellowship in Experimental Quantum Optics Full-time

PhD Fellowship In Experimental Quantum Optics

The Niels Bohr Institute invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Experimental Quantum Optics.

Start date is (expected to be) 1 November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project will be part of the center for Hybrid Quantum Networks. The present projects will be within experimental quantum optics and concerns the development of spin-photon interfaces for high-fidelity entanglement generation and proof-of-concept demonstrations of entanglement fusion.

We are looking for candidates within the field of quantum physics or related areas. Applicants can have any background within quantum physics but it is a particular advantage to have experience in quantum optics, quantum information and/or optomechanics.

The PhD projects will be part of the Quantum Photonics Group, which is headed by Professor Peter Lodahl and currently consists of 4 Post Docs and seven Ph.D. students. The group is part of the Center for Hybrid Quantum Network and the Quantum Optics section, which consists of more than 40 researchers. The center and the section provides a very strong research environment with leading international research groups within quantum optics.

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 dynamic and international research environment.

Principal supervisor are Prof. Anders Søndberg Sørensen, The Niels Bohr Institute, anders.sorensen@nbi.ku.dk or Prof. Peter Lodahl, The Niels Bohr Institute, lodahl@nbi.ku.dk.

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.

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.

Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

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.

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 quantum physics

Good language skills

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically.

Motivated letter of application (max. one page)

Your motivation for applying for the specific PhD project

Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position

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.

Publication list (if possible)

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 1st July 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.

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.

For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.