Postdoctoral Position in Physics

University of Copenhagen

Programme: Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP)

Institution: Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Application Deadline: 1 November 2025

Employment Start: 1 February 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter)

About the Programme

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) is establishing a talented and diverse international team to create a cutting-edge quantum programme 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, we have established 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 solutions for the quantum-classical control and readout interface, and all the way 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.

Position Overview

NQCP is looking for a motivated theory postdoc to develop cutting-edge architectures for dissipatively corrected bosonic qubits in superconducting circuit devices. Our goal is ambitious: to develop a new approach to quantum computing that harnesses dissipation for quantum error correction.

In this position, you will take a leading role in:

• Developing the architecture, along with measurement and stabilization protocols
• Collaborating with experimentalist colleagues to pursue realizations of designs

Depending on your expertise, your role will involve simulation, mathematical modelling, and conceptual design of superconducting circuit-QED devices. You will benefit from close collaboration with experimentalists and interaction with colleagues ( theory and experiment) in the broader quantum computing community at NQCP.

Candidate Qualifications

The successful candidate is likely to have some of the following qualifications:

• PhD in Physics or a related discipline
• Experience in the broad area of quantum computing
• Experience with theoretical modelling and design of superconducting circuit devices
• Experience with modelling and simulation of quantum dynamics, dissipation, and measurements
• Experience with bosonic qubit encodings (e.g., cat, rotor, GKP)
• Interest in being part of a large team on a mission-driven project
• Experience from collaborations with experimentalist colleagues

Why Join Us?

Joining NQCP, you will be part of a vibrant community of researchers pursuing quantum computing across several platforms and layers of the stack. Denmark offers strong social services (free universal healthcare, subsidised language courses, paid parental leave, subsidised daycare, excellent public schools), egalitarian work culture prioritizing work-life balance, and thriving urban and natural environments.

Terms of Employment

• Position covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff
• Terms of appointment and payment according to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State
• Negotiable salary supplement possible
• Working time: 37 hours per week on average, flexible hours
• Limited-term appointment: two years starting 1 February 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
• Appointment subject to receipt of a security clearance

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit:

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Statement of motivation (max. 1 page) – why you are interested in joining NQCP and this position, and how it aligns with your past experience and future career objectives
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of up to 3 particularly relevant papers

Applications must be submitted electronically in English.

Contact

Frederik Nathan
E-mail: frederik.nathan@nbi.ku.dk

Additional Information

The Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen – or SCIENCE – is Denmark's largest science research and education institution with 4,000 employees and 9,700 Bachelor and Master students across 12 departments. The faculty has an annual budget of DKK 3 billion.

The University of Copenhagen is part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) and promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard.

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