Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Systems Modeling & AI Full-time

Postdoctoral Researcher at Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, is seeking a postdoctoral researcher. You will be a cornerstone of our project (2026–2029) focused on creating digital twins and AI-driven models for solid state quantum devices. The position is placed in the Theory & Simulation and Data teams of NQCP.

Role Description

We are looking for a quantum systems modelling profile to help drive our efforts in the development of digital twins of quantum devices.

In this role, you will drive the development of a framework for device-specific digital twins, implementing a full-stack modeling framework that translates low-level multiphysics interactions into high-level system-level insights. Your work will be essential to exploring large design spaces, predicting device behavior, and identify optimal parameters without the prohibitive cost of fabricating numerous physical prototypes.

You will work at the interface of AI and photonic-, semiconducting-, and superconducting quantum hardware. Your work will span across materials, sub-component, and system levels modelling to build a powerful feedback loop where experimental results continuously refine the virtual models, while the models guide the next generation of experiments and device designs.

Key Responsibilities

• Development of a full stack framework for digital twins of quantum devices.
• Work in tight collaboration with both theoretical and experimental groups to refine virtual models based on results from both NQCP and Quantum Foundry Copenhagen.
• Multiphysics Integration: Develop digital twins that integrate quantum mechanical modeling (spin-orbit coupling, hyperfine interactions, quantum materials modelling) with electrostatic, electromagnetic, mechanical, and thermal simulations.
• Development of AI surrogate models to enable faster and larger scale simulations to enable faster turnaround on chip design and calibration.

About You

We are looking for a researcher who thrives at the intersection of hardware physics and AI-driven design. You should be motivated by the challenge of managing the interplay between quantum physics and classical hardware engineering to accelerate the path to scalable quantum technologies.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have some of the following qualifications:

• Education: PhD in Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Simulation Expertise: Proven experience with finite element method (FEM) simulations using software such as COMSOL, Ansys, Lumerical, or Sonnet.
• Experience with electronic design automation (EDA) tools.
• Experience working with ab-initio methods for materials simulation e.g. Density Functional Theory (DFT).
• Experience working with large collaborative code projects.
• Proficiency in applying AI-driven algorithms (e.g., neural networks, reinforcement learning) for the creation of surrogate models and the autonomous optimization of high-dimensional design spaces.
• Experience simulating hybrid quantum devices.
• Communication: Strong ability to coordinate work within a complex research program and communicate insights to experimentalists.

Why Us?

We offer the opportunity to be part of a thriving quantum ecosystem in Copenhagen, interacting with international collaborators and startups.

• Danish Work Culture: Our environment is egalitarian and prioritizes work-life balance.
• Social Support: Life in Denmark includes universal healthcare, paid parental leave, and excellent public infrastructure.
• Professional Growth: You will contribute to the “pathfinder phase” (2025–2029) of a world-leading quantum program, setting the stage for the full scaling phase (2030–2035).

Terms of Salary and Employment

• Contract: The position is limited in time until 31 December 2029.
• Standard: Employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement for academics in the Danish state sector.
• Classification: Employment will be as a postdoctoral researcher.
• Hours: 37 hours per week with flexible working hours.
• Security: Appointment is subject to receipt of security clearance.

Your Application

Please submit your electronic application in English by 15th of April 2026. Your application should include:

• Curriculum Vitae and a short cover letter.
• Diplomas (Master's and PhD or equivalent).
• Publication list and up to 3 particularly relevant papers (if applicable).

For further information please contact Mark K. Svendsen, mark.svendsen@nbi.ku.dk