PhD Project in Photonic Quantum Error Correction

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) is expanding its talented and international team to add to its cutting-edge quantum programme in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark. At the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, we are running an international quantum computing programme, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, that drives research and innovations at multiple levels - from developing scalable quantum processor technologies to quantum algorithms and applications.

The long-term mission of the programme is to develop fault-tolerant quantum computing hardware and quantum algorithms that solve life-science-relevant chemical and biological problems.

NQCP invites applicants for a PhD fellowship on fault-tolerant photonic quantum computing with qudits and group surface codes.

Start date 1 April 2027 or after agreement.

The project

Quantum computers promise to solve problems beyond the reach of conventional computers, but their fragile quantum states are easily disturbed by noise. Quantum error correction protects information against these errors. This project will explore new error-correction methods for quantum computers that use photons, the particles of light. In particular, it will investigate photonic qudits, which can carry information in more than two states, and a promising family of error-correcting codes called group surface codes.

You will develop theoretical models and software to investigate how these codes can be implemented using photonic circuits. Through numerical simulations, you will study how well they protect information, how they allow computations to be performed reliably, and what resources they require. The aim is to identify approaches that could make large-scale photonic quantum computers more efficient. The work focuses on theory, programming and numerical simulation, while maintaining a close connection to photonic hardware. The project is supported by the Danish e-Infrastructure Consortium (DeiC).

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a motivated candidate with a background in physics, quantum information, computer science, mathematics, photonics or a related field, and a strong interest in fault-tolerant quantum computing.

Relevant qualifications include

• A solid foundation in quantum mechanics and quantum information.
• Strong programming skills, preferably in Python, and an interest in scientific software development and numerical methods.
• Knowledge of quantum error correction, quantum computing architectures, quantum optics or topological quantum codes. Experience in one or more of these areas is an advantage.
• Experience with numerical simulations, decoding algorithms or high-performance computing is an advantage.
• A curious mindset, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and a structured approach to research.
• Good written and spoken English and strong communication skills.

Applicants are not expected to have prior experience in all aspects of the project. Relevant research projects, software contributions, publications and other professional activities will be considered in the assessment.

Our group and research - and what do we offer?

The group is part of the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment hosted by NQCP at. You will be part of the photonics research environment and collaborate closely with researchers working on quantum computing architectures, quantum error correction and photonic quantum technologies.

Principal supervisor is Associate Professor Stefano Paesani, Niels Bohr Institute, [email protected] . The co-supervisor will be Professor Apoorv Tiwari at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU). The project will involve close collaboration between the two institutions, with regular joint supervision meetings and in-person visits.

Joining NQCP now, you will get involved in a well-established and ambitious programme, which offers excellent opportunities to build a career in advancing quantum computing. We want to make Denmark a world leader in quantum research, and we hope to attract people from all over the world.

Life in Denmark is supported by strong social services, including universal healthcare, free or subsidised language courses, paid parental leave, subsidised day care and excellent public schools. Our work culture is egalitarian and prioritises work-life balance. Copenhagen offers excellent infrastructure, extensive cycling networks, a thriving food scene, museums and access to beautiful natural surroundings.

The PhD programme

Depending on your level of education, you can undertake the PhD programme as

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 .

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, e.g. Physics 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 a security clearance.

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

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: 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 (2026) DKK 7.426 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 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 project.
• Relevant publications.
• Relevant work experience.
• Other relevant professional activities.
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in Physics.
• Good language and communication skills.
• A structures approach to work.

Application and Assessment Procedure

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

Please include

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

When you will be affiliated with the University of Copenhagen or otherwise have access to their research, you may be required to undergo a background screening. The purpose is to protect the security and research integrity of the University of Copenhagen.

The deadline for applications is 22 November 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 http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

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/ .

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