PhD Projects in Theoretical Quantum Optics and Quantum Information

PhD Projects in Theoretical Quantum Optics and Quantum Information

The Niels Bohr Institute invites applicants for two PhD fellowships in Theoretical Quantum Optics and Quantum Information. The projects are part of the theoretical quantum optics group and the Center for Hybrid quantum Networks (Hy‑Q).

The starting date is expected to be 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. An earlier start may also be possible.

• Quantum Internet technology: Part of the Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA), this project aims to build the world’s first quantum internet prototype. You will develop physical models to predict and optimize performance and create general theories and methods for quantum internet technologies.
• Scalable quantum information processing based on quantum dots: This project develops theories for implementing quantum information processing with quantum dots coupled to light. It involves collaboration with experimentalists at the Niels Bohr Institute, Ruhr‑Universität Bochum and the University of Basel, providing concrete experimental proposals and long‑term processor architectures.

Candidates with a background in Physics, Quantum Information Processing, or related areas. Applicants can come from theoretical quantum optics or quantum information theory, but we also consider candidates with different backgrounds.

The successful applicant will join the theoretical quantum optics group and the Hybrid Quantum Networks center funded by the Danish National Research Foundation. The group has ~15 postdocs, PhD and master students and focuses on theories for physical implementation of quantum information processing. We work closely with experimental activities in optomechanics, single‑photon emitters and nanophotonics. The center hosts ~50 researchers in quantum networks and fosters close daily interactions socially and scientifically.

We are part of the Quantum Optics Section at the Niels Bohr Institute, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative, stimulating working conditions in a dynamic international research environment.

Prof. Anders Søndberg Sørensen
, Niels Bohr Institute, anders.sorensen.dk.

Three‑year full‑time study within the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme). Eligibility requires an education equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS for a BSc + 120 ECTS for an MSc) related to the project, e.g. Physics or Quantum Information Science.

Employment as a PhD fellow is full‑time and limited to 3 years. It is conditional upon successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, with submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project. Terms of appointment and payment follow the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

• Carry out an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses worth ~30 ECTS (½ FTE)
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another 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

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind‑set with a strong interest in quantum optics and quantum information
• Good language skills

Your application must be in English and submitted electronically. The application should include:

• Motivated letter of application up to one page, stating preference for one of the two projects
• Curriculum vitae with education, experience, language skills, and other relevant skills
• Original diplomas for Bachelor or Master and transcript of records in the original language, plus an authorized English translation if needed. If not completed, a certified copy of a recent transcript or written statement from the institution is accepted.
• Publication list (if…