PhD fellowships in Computational Quantum Physics (Theory & Simulations)

About the role

The Theory & Simulation (T&S) team at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) invites applicants for PhD fellowships in Computational Quantum Physics. The start date is (expected to be) 15/10-2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The programme

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Program (NQCP), funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, 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 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.

Project

In the Theory and Simulation (T&S) team, we develop the computational methods and capabilities necessary to realize hardware for practical quantum computing. For this purpose, we employ multiscale modelling and simulate at scales ranging from the atomic to the full device scale. In our work, we are collaborating closely with all of the different teams at NQCP, see https://nqcp.ku.dk/.

Skills

• Motivated PhD candidates to undertake research within computational quantum physics
• Develop a project plan with prospective candidates to best match their skills and experience to the activities in the T&S team
• Undertake research within one or more of the following topics: Material simulations, Designs of advanced quantum chips, Hybrid quantum devices, Quantum error correction

Who are we looking for?

We seek motivated PhD candidates with a Master’s Degree in Physics, Computational Physics, Quantum Information, or Photonics specializing in theoretical and/or computational quantum physics. Successful candidates will have strong analytical and computational skills, a passion for developing theoretical protocols, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic research environment.

Our group and research

The group offers 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. There is currently a large pool of PhD students at NQCP and a range of social activities are continuously going on. In addition to a world-class research environment, you will also become part of a thriving social environment.

Supervision

The project will be supervised by Assistant Professor Mark Kamper Svendsen (mark.svendsen@nbi.ku.dk) and T&S team lead. The principal supervisor will be Associate Professor Kim Splittorff (split@nbi.ku.dk).

PhD programme

Qualifications needed to be eligible for the regular PhD programme include having 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., a degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Photonics, Quantum Information, or similar. For information on eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Responsibilities and tasks

• 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
• Teach and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below. Please include a motivated letter of application (max. one page). Please note that there is the possibility of including an educational part to the PhD project. Therefore, please indicate in the application whether you would be interested in this. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills, and other skills relevant for the position. Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science 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).

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is 1 August 2026, 23:59 GMT +1. 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.

Further Process

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 assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 34 and 35.

Questions

For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor. General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

Contact

To contact the University of Copenhagen, please visit https://www.ku.dk/. To contact the Theory & Simulation (T&S) team, please email: Mark Kamper Svendsen.