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PhD fellowship in Experimental Quantum Optics

Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen · Institute, NC · 1 mo ago
AnalystFull-time

The Niels Bohr Institute invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Experimental Quantum Optics. Start date is expected to be 1 December 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

About the project

The project will be part of the Center for Hybrid Quantum Networks. The research will focus on experimental quantum optics, specifically understanding and applying photon scattering from single or multiple strongly coupled quantum dots.

Who are we looking for?

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

Our group and research

The PhD projects will be part of the Quantum Photonics Group, headed by Professor Peter Lodahl. The group currently consists of 4 Postdocs and 7 PhD students and is part of the Center for Hybrid Quantum Networks and the Quantum Optics section, which includes over 40 researchers. The center provides a strong research environment with leading international research groups in quantum optics.

The group is located at the Niels Bohr Institute, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen in Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment.

Principal supervisor: Prof. Peter Lodahl, The Niels Bohr Institute, lodahl@nbi.ku.dk.

PhD programme options

Depending on your level of education, you can undertake the PhD programme as either:

  • Option A: A three-year full-time study within the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.
  • Option B: An up to five-year full-time study programme within the integrated MSc and PhD programme (3+5 scheme), if you do not have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree but have a Danish bachelor’s degree.

Qualifications for Option A (Regular PhD 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., physics.

Terms of employment for Option A

  • Employment as a PhD fellow is full-time and for a maximum of 3 years.
  • Employment is conditional upon successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen.
  • Terms of appointment and payment are in accordance with 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.

Qualifications for Option B (Integrated MSc and PhD Programme)

If you do not have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree, you may qualify for the integrated MSc and PhD programme if you have a relevant Danish bachelor’s degree.

Terms of the integrated programme

  • To be eligible, you must be enrolled (or eligible to enroll) in one of the faculty’s master programmes in physics.
  • Students will enroll as PhD students simultaneously with completing their MSc degree programme.
  • The duration is up to five years, depending on the credits passed on your MSc programme.
  • Until the MSc degree is obtained, the grant is paid partly as 48 state education grant portions (DKK 7,426 before tax in 2026) plus salary for work (teaching, supervision, etc.) totaling 150 working hours per year.
  • After obtaining the MSc degree, you transfer to the salary-earning part of the scholarship for two years, with terms according to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Responsibilities and tasks

  • Complete and pass the MSc education (for integrated MSc and PhD programme only).
  • Carry through an independent research project under supervision.
  • Complete PhD courses corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS / ½ FTE.
  • Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad.
  • Engage in teaching and knowledge dissemination activities.
  • Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals.
  • Write and defend a PhD thesis based on your project.

Desired qualifications

  • Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project.
  • Relevant publications.
  • Relevant work experience.
  • Other relevant professional activities.
  • A curious mindset with a strong interest in quantum physics.
  • Good language skills.

Application deadline: 26 August 2026, 23:59 GMT +2.

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