PhD fellowships in Superconducting Quantum Optics for Scalable Quantum Computing

The newly established 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 (NBI), 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.

The start date is (expected to be) 15th December 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

What will be the possible projects?
We are seeking motivated PhD candidates to join our team in pursuing cutting-edge and unique research directions based on superconducting circuits in the following areas:

• Hybrid Quantum Systems: Development of novel hybrid quantum systems that integrate superconducting quantum circuits with mechanical membranes and magnetic crystals to enable long-lived quantum memories and nonreciprocal quantum devices, respectively.
• Broadband Quantum-Limited Amplifiers: Development of novel Josephson parametric amplifiers, leveraging microwave and Josephson nonlinear engineering to enable quantum-limited microwave detection, serving as a backbone for microwave quantum optics experiments and scalable superconducting quantum computing.
• Emergent Quantum Phenomena: Exploration of novel schemes for qubit control and readout aimed at efficient quantum computing, single-photon generation and detection for scalable quantum interconnects, and lasing mechanisms for next-generation quantum signal sources.

Each PhD student may choose one of these research directions through discussions based on their past experience and the current status of the lab. The PhD project will be supervised and managed on a day-to-day basis by Assistant Professor Shingo Kono (shingo.kono@nbi.ku.dk), with additional advisory support from Associate Professor Morten Kjaergaard.

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for motivated young physicists eager to tackle the formidable challenges of realizing fault-tolerant quantum computing from fresh and innovative perspectives. We warmly welcome applications from individuals with broad interests in quantum science, particularly those with backgrounds in superconducting quantum circuits. The principal investigator is committed to supporting the development of researchers who aim to bridge deep theoretical insight with advanced experimental expertise.

Our group and research - and what do we offer?
The Superconducting Quantum Optics (SQUOP) Lab, led by Assistant Professor Shingo Kono, is a newly established experimental research group in quantum physics within NQCP at NBI. Our mission is to explore novel quantum phenomena and protocols using superconducting quantum circuits and hybrid quantum systems, with the goal of deepening our understanding of quantum mechanics and advancing the realization of fault-tolerant quantum computing.

During the program, you will have unique opportunities to engage with state-of-the-art technologies in superconducting quantum circuits and hybrid quantum systems from a broad range of perspectives—including theory, design, nanofabrication, measurement, cryogenic wiring, and control electronics.

The research projects will be carried out within the supportive and strategic framework of NQCP, where you will collaborate closely—particularly in a data-driven manner—with the fabrication and characterization teams. Currently, there are 26 PhD students at NQCP and a range of social activities are continuously going on. In addition to a world class research environment, you will therefore also become part of a thriving social environment.

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

Option A: A three year full-time study within the framework of 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 framework of the integrated MSc and PhD programme (the 3+5 scheme), if you do not have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master´s degree – but you have an education equivalent to a Danish bachelors´s degree.

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Option A: Getting into a position on the regular PhD programme

Qualifications needed for the regular 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. Relevant backgrounds include, but are not limited to, superconducting quantum circuits, hybrid quantum systems, quantum optics, and quantum information science. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to 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.

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance.

Option B: Getting into a position on the integrated MSc and PhD programme

Qualifications needed for the integrated MSc and PhD programme
If you do not have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master´s degree, you might be qualified for the integrated MSc and PhD programme, if you have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish bachelor´s degree. Here you can find out, if that is relevant for you: General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.  

Terms of the integrated programme
To be eligible for the integrated scholarship, you are (or are eligible to be) enrolled at one of the faculty’s master programmes in Physics.

Students on the integrated programme will enroll as PhD students simultaneously with completing their enrollment in this MSc degree programme.

The duration of the integrated programme is up to five years, and depends on the amount of credits that you have passed on your MSc programme. For further information about the study programme, please see: For SCIENCE www.science.ku.dk/phd, “Study Structures”

Until the MSc degree is obtained, (when exactly two years of the full 3+5 programme remains), the grant will be paid partly in the form of 48 state education grant portions (in Danish: “SU-klip”) plus salary for work (teaching, supervision etc.) totalling a workload of 150 working hours per year.
A PhD grant portion is currently (2024) DKK 6.820 before tax.

When you have obtained the MSc degree, you will transfer to the salary-earning part of the scholarship for a period of two years. At that point, the terms of employment and payment will be according to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance.

Responsibilities and tasks in both PhD programmes

• Complete and pass the MSc education in accordance with the curriculum of the MSc programme

 (ONLY when you are attending the integrated MSc and PhD programme)

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

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD projects in superconducting quantum circuits
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience in superconducing quantum circuits, including microwave engineering and desigin, cryogenic experiments, quantum control and measurement, and nanofabrication
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in quantum physics and quantum information science
• Good language skills

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Application and Assessment Procedure
 Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include: 

1. Motivation letter of application, including past research and experience, research interests, future career plans (max. two pages)
2. 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.
3. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
4. 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.
5. Publication list (if possible)
6. Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is 3rd August 2025.

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.

The 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 assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. 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/.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact Shingo Kono (shingo.kono@nbi.ku.dk).

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.