PhD fellowships in Computational Quantum Physics (Theory & Simulations)

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 applicOg hvem ations. 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

In the Theory and Simulation (T&S) team, we develop the computational methods and capabilities nessecary 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 collaboring closely with all of the different teams at NQCP, see

We are looking for motivated PhD candiates to undertake research within computational quantum physics. We are interested in developing a project plan with prospective candidates to best match their skills and experience to the activities in the T&S team. We imagine that the candidates would undertake research within one or more of the following topics:

1. Material simulations
2. Designs of advanced quantum chips
3. Hybrid quantum devices
4. Quantum error correction

Who are we looking for?

We seek motivated candidates with a master’s degree in Physics, Computational Physics, Quantum information, or Photonics specializing in theoretical and/or computational quantum physics. Succesful candidates will have:

• Strong analytical and computational skills
• A passion for developing theoretical protocols
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic research environment

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in 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 therefore also become part of a thriving social environment.

1. The project will be supervised by Assistant Professor Mark Kamper Svendsen ( Se e-mailadresse på jobportal.ku.dk ), T&S team lead. The principal supervisor will be Associate Professor Kim Splittorff (Se e-mailadresse på jobportal.ku.dk) .

The PhD programme

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 of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database .

Terms of employment
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.

Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programmes

• 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
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in computational quantum and solid state physics
• Good language and communication skills
• Willingness to work in a team
• Willingness to engage actively with the other teams at NQCP

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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. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
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 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.

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 .

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: .

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