The Quantum error correction team at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) invites applicants for up to three PhD fellowships.

The start date is (expected to be) 1 April, 2027 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 to 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 project
Fault-tolerant quantum computing requires low logical error rates together with resource-efficient, experimentally feasible approaches to quantum error correction. Our research spans low-overhead quantum error-correcting codes, efficient syndrome extraction, high-fidelity parity measurements, and scalable hardware architectures. We aim to connect these efforts with fault-tolerant logical operations, taking into account the noise characteristics, connectivity, and operational constraints of quantum computing platforms. In our work, we are collaborating closely with all of the different teams at NQCP; see nqcp.ku.dk.

We are looking for up to three motivated PhD candidates to undertake research within theoretical effort for quantum error-correction. We are interested in developing a project plan with prospective candidates to best match their skills and experience to the activities in the QEC team. We imagine that the candidates would undertake research within one or more of the following topics:

• Investigation of low-overhead and high-threshold error-correctable codes, including low-density parity check codes
• Resource estimation and optimization for scalable quantum computing over different hardware platforms
• Distributed quantum error correction on modular design and quantum networks
• Optimization of syndrome extraction circuits, error correction cycle, and fault-tolerant logical operation
• 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 degree diplomas 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)

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of Physics, Computational Physics, Quantum Information, or a closely related field, with a focus on theoretical and/or computational quantum physics.

Successful candidates will have:

• Strong analytical and computational skills
• Strong knowledge of quantum mechanics and quantum information
• An interest in developing quantum error correction methods that account for hardware capabilities and limitations
• A passion for developing theoretical protocols
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic research environment
• Knowledge of quantum error correction or quantum computing platforms, including photonic systems and superconducting circuits, is an advantage.

Our group and research - and what do we offer?
We offer 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.

The project will be supervised by Assistant Professor Maryam Khanahmadi, [email protected], QEC team lead, and the principal supervisor will be Stefano Paesani, [email protected].

Qualifications needed
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. 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.

Terms of employment
Employment as a PhD fellow is full-time and for a maximum of 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.

You can read more about salary levels in the state sector www.loenoverblik.dk (in Danish).

Responsibilities and tasks in the 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 project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Good language and communication skills
• Willingness to work in a team
• Willingness to engage actively with the other teams at NQCP

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

Please include:

Application deadline
The deadline for applications is 6 December 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.

The further process
After the deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You will be 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 here.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact Maryam Khanahmadi: [email protected]

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website.

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

Application deadline: Apply no later than 6. December 2026

Department: Blegdamsvej 17 2100 København Ø

Location: Niels Bohr Institute