2-year Postdoctoral Researcher in Abstractions for Quantum Software

University of Southern Denmark - SDU; Odense; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

The Quantum Hub at the University of Southern Denmark invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral researcher position to explore abstractions for quantum software. The role focuses on bridging quantum algorithms and hardware implementations, and making quantum programming accessible to software developers.

Applicants should have a PhD in mathematics, physics or computer science and a strong research record in quantum computing.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science required.
• Strong research background in quantum computing or related areas.
• Excellent collaborative and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on abstractions for quantum software.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed venues.
• Collaborate with international researchers at SDU Quantum Hub.
• Contribute to development of quantum programming abstractions.

Job description

The Quantum Hub at University of Southern Denmark is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a two-year post to conduct research on abstractions for quantum software. As quantum computing advances towards large-scale fault-tolerant devices, robust hardware-independent software abstractions are becoming increasingly important for bridging the gap between quantum algorithms and physical implementations, and for making quantum computing accessible to software developers. We welcome applicants strongly motivated to contribute to this growing field with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Quantum algorithms
• Quantum circuit synthesis and optimisation
• Gaussian boson sampling
• Topological quantum computing
• Quantum error correction
• Fault-tolerant quantum computing
• Quantum programming languages and programming abstractions, including LLM-assisted quantum programming
• Quantum intermediate representations
• Quantum compilation, including AI/ML-assisted compilation techniques
• Quantum software engineering
• Quantum software design and testing
• Developer tools and usability in quantum software

The targeted starting date of the position is 1 January, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

We are not permitted to directly contact your academic references, sopleaseensuretheir letters have reached us by the deadline. The application requirements are detailed at the end of this advertisement.

Requirements

The candidate must have a PhD degree in mathematics, physics or computer science.

Situation of the position

The position at the SDU Quantum Hub, will be situated at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Science on the international campus in Odense, Denmark. SDU Quantum Hub is established with the ambition to create a highly international and interdisciplinary group within a broad spectrum of quantum research. Odense is a fast-growing international community with an open Scandinavian culture, affordable housing and living costs.

Assessment

Shortlisting may be used. Shortlisted applicants will be assessed by an assessment committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the faculty. As part of the overall assessment, the applicant may be called for interview.

Conditions of employment

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.

Information of salary rates can be found at: https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/job-sdu/international-staff

For non-Danish candidates there is an optional researcher taxation scheme (see the link above).

Application, salary etc.

Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements.
As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process. SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary.

Attached files must be in Adobe pdf format. All pdf-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected. In case you have more than one file per field you need to combine the pdf-files into a single file, as each field handles only one file. Each box can only contain a single file of max. 10 Mb.

The application including the required attachments must be in English.

Application deadline is 15 November 2026.

The applications must include:

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae including a list of publications
• Certificates/Diplomas (MSc and PhD) - Danish or English
• Research Statement
• 2-3 letters of recommendation