The Niels Bohr Institute, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen is offering two PhD scholarships in quantum simulation commencing.

Start date is 1 January 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter, but no later than 1 April 2024.

The projects
The overarching theme for the projects is to perform quantum simulation of dynamical chemical processes. To do this we will consider emulating the nuclear motion in a molecule by engineered harmonic oscillators such as the electromagnetic field in a cavity. Two different types of systems will be considered: electrically defined quantum dots operating in the microwave regime or self-assembled quantum dots in the optical regime. Alongside with the projects, such systems will be realized and measured by the experimental collaborators.

The projects aim to develop a theoretical understanding of small networks of few-level quantum systems coupled to electromagnetic fields. To benchmark these devices as artificial molecules, part of the projects aims at designing a set of basic experimental tests in parameter regimes where calculations remain possible. The projects will explore the prospects for simulating chemical dynamics and work out protocols for colleagues in the experimental groups to validate these effects experimentally. Earlier experience with the investigated systems would be desirable but is not required.

Description of the scientific environment
The PhD projects will be funded by a grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Challenge Program and carried out within the new collaboration ‘Solid-state quantum simulators for biochemistry’ (SolidQ), between the Center for Quantum Devices (QDev), Center for Hybrid Quantum Networks (Hy-Q) and the Department of Chemistry, to develop quantum simulators.

The project will be embedded in the condensed matter or quantum optics theory groups at the Niels Bohr Institute University of Copenhagen.

Significant collaboration is expected to take place with the members of the center, which include Profs. Anders Søndberg Sørensen, Jens Paaske, Brian Møller Andersen, and Gemma Solomon as well as experimentalists at QDev and Hy-Q.

Principal supervisor will be Assoc. Prof. Jens Paaske, paaske @ nbi.ku.dk, or Prof. Anders S. Sørensen, anders.sorensen@nbi.ku.dk

The 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.
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.

Responsibilities and tasks

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 in quantum simulation commencing.
Good language skills
Job description
The positions are available for a 3-year period and your key tasks as a PhD student at SCIENCE are:

To manage and carry through your research project
Attend PhD courses
Write scientific articles and your PhD thesis
Teach and disseminate your research
To stay at an external research institution for a few months, preferably abroad
Work for the department

Formal requirements
Applicants should hold an MSc degree in physics or related fields with good results and good English skills. As criteria for the assessment of your qualifications, emphasis will also be laid on previous publications (if any) and relevant work experience.

Application Procedure
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW.

Please include

Cover Letter, stating which PhD project you are applying for and detailing your motivation and background for applying for the specific PhD project.
CV
Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc)
Acceptance Letter for the relevant MSc Programme at SCIENCE, if any
Other information for consideration, e.g. list of publications (if any)
1-3 reference letters (if any)
Reference letters must be uploaded by the applicant him/herself. The recruiting person must NOT obtain reference letters which content is not known to the applicant him/herself. This is against Danish law.

Application deadline
The deadline for applications is 1 September 2023, 23:59 GMT+2

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. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at employment.ku.dk

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: 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.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.