Postdoctoral position in Quantum Algorithms for Quantum Chemistry Full-time

Postdoctoral Position In Quantum Algorithms

The newly established Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Program (NQCP) is building a talented and diverse international team to create a cutting-edge program in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark. 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 problems in the life-sciences and sustainability.

NQCP is looking for a motivated postdoc to develop our activities in quantum algorithms. This role is anchored in the Algorithms & Applications (A&A) area of the programme but extends out to interface with the hardware efforts that are underway. Broadly the programme is both algorithm and hardware agnostic, so a key question to be answered is whether there are combinations of use cases, algorithms and hardware setups that will offer advantages when employed together. The position will involve research on the current focus areas of A&A, which include:

• Identifying classically challenging quantum chemical problems
• Developing, testing, and characterizing quantum algorithms
• Estimating classical and quantum resource requirements of relevant life science or materials use cases
• Performing numerical simulations of classical and quantum algorithms on classical HPC resources

The successful candidate is likely to have some of the following qualifications:

• A PhD in Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline
• Experience in computational modelling of chemical systems or materials, ideally in method development of multiconfigurational electronic structure methods
• Experience with programming and utilizing HPC resources
• Interest in probing the interface between quantum computing and applications in chemistry and life-science
• Interest in being part of a large team working on a mission driven project
• Interest in collaborating with researchers in quantum hardware, error correction and life science to identify and assess usecases and formulate them as problems solvable on a quantum computer
• Interest in developing strategies for optimal communication of the results of their research with the quantum computing and quantum chemistry communities
• Willingness to collaborate with both academic and industrial partners

Why Us?

Joining NQCP now, you will be involved from our early stages and contribute to the fulfilment of the mission of NQCP. We want to make Denmark a world leader in quantum research, and we hope to attract people from all over the world.

Life in Denmark is supported with strong social services (free universal healthcare, free/subsidised language courses, paid parental leave, subsidised day care institutions and excellent public schools). Our work culture is very egalitarian and prioritises work life balance. Dual career families are the norm, and workplaces offer flexibility to support everyone in having both an exciting career and good family time. Danish cities are known for having excellent infrastructure, for example through widespread bike path networks. We can also offer a thriving food-scene, excellent museums, and beautiful natural scenery.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff. Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The working time are 37 hours per week on average and the working hours are flexible.

The position is initially for a period of up to two years, with the possibility for extension. The starting date is 1 June 2026 or after agreement.

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance.

Please include:

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Statement about motivation (max. 2 pages) – why are you interested in joining NQCP and what interests you in this position? How does this align with your past experience and future career objectives?
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 30 March 2026, 23:59

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically.

Further information

For further information please contact Gemma Solomon, gsolomon@chem.ku.dk