PhD Projects in quantum computing for chemistry and life-science (Algorithms & Applications) Full-time

Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme PhD Fellowship

The newly established Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) is building a talented and diverse international team to create a cutting-edge program in the heart of Copenhagen at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, where the formulation of quantum mechanics was born 100 years ago. The ambition is to build a mission-driven, full-stack approach which will involve exciting innovations at every level, from the quantum processor to the quantum-classical interface all the way to quantum algorithms and applications. The vision of the programme is to enable the development of fault-tolerant quantum computing hardware and quantum algorithms that solve important chemical problems in the life-sciences and sustainability.

NQCP invites applicants for PhD fellowships in the Algorithms & Applications (A&A) section within this area.

Start date is 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter during 2026.

Project Description

We are interested in developing a project plan with prospective candidates to suit their skills and experience. Current priority areas for A&A are:

• Model Hamiltonians for chemical systems
• State preparation techniques
• Schemes for extracting information and observables from quantum computation
• Noise modelling of logical quantum circuits

A project can span one or multiple of these areas.

Who Are We Looking For?

We are looking for motivated candidates from any of the many fields spanning quantum resource estimation, quantum algorithms and all the way to areas of use cases/applications of quantum algorithms in chemistry and life-science. Applicants can have a background in Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Materials Science, Life-Science and/or Medicine. In all cases, theoretical/computational skills and experience are important.

The Scientific Environment

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment hosted by the NNF Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen.

Job Description

Your key tasks as a PhD student at SCIENCE are:

• Carrying through an independent research project under supervision.
• Completing PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS points.
• Participating in active research environments including a stay at another research team.
• Obtaining experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project.
• Teaching and disseminating your knowledge.
• Writing a PhD thesis on the grounds of your project

Key Criteria for the Assessment of Applicants

Applicants must have qualifications corresponding to a master's degree related to the subject area of the project, e.g. Physics, Chemistry. Please note that your master's degree must be equivalent to a Danish master's degree (two years).

Other important criteria are:

• The grade point average achieved
• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Previous publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other professional activities
• A curious mind-set
• Language skills

Terms of Employment

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.

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.

Questions

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

Application Procedure

Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking 'Apply for position' below. The application must include the following documents in PDF format:

• Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
• CV incl. education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
• Certified copy of original Master of Science diploma and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in other 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. As a prerequisite for a PhD fellowship employment, your master's degree must be equivalent to a Danish master's degree. We encourage you to read more in the assessment database: https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-and-transparency/find-assessments/assessment-database. Please note that we might ask you to obtain an assessment of your education performed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science
• Publication list (if possible)
• Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline: 30 April 2026, 23.59pm CET

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 the expiry of the deadline for applications involves selection by the authorized recruitment manager and assessment by an unbiased assessor.

The applicants will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.