Assistant Professor in SNSPDs

KU – SCIENCE – NBI, Blegdamsvej; København; On-site; DKK 750,000 - 1,050,000; Full time

Job summary

Niels Bohr Institute invites applications for a PhD-level researcher to advance integrated superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) in photonic circuits. The role blends experimental physics, cryogenic electronics, and data logging with Python, in a collaborative, international team at the NQCP in Copenhagen.

You will lead fabrication and integration efforts, supervise students, and contribute to multiple projects spanning single photon sources, optical switches, and cavities,

Qualifications

• PhD with postdoc experience in experimental physics, engineering, nanotechnologies, or related.
• Experience with SNSPDs fabrication and characterisation, quantum photonics, electronics, and cryogenic systems.
• Experience with control software and data logging – preferably in python.
• Good communication skills and a structured approach to work.

Responsibilities

• Taking the leading role in developing and integrating SNSPDs into our photonic circuits and establishing the electrical control circuit.
• Structuring the efforts on multiple projects, integrating experimental results in our database, and providing feedback to collaborating teams.
• Contributing to the other projects within the Photonics team. The projects span single photon sources and optical components like switches, cavities, etc.
• Teaching and supervision of students.
• Procurement, maintenance, and operation of scientific equipment.

Skills

SNSPD fabrication

Quantum photonics

Python programming

Communication skills

Education

PhD with postdoc experience

Tools

Cryogenic systems

Electronic control circuits

Job description

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.

The project

The position is centred on the development of integrated superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) embedded in controllable photonic circuits for the fully integrated processing of the emitted photons from silicon quantum emitters. The work will be performed as part of the Photonic Control and Readout team in NQCP, in close collaboration with the Theory & Simulation and the Materials engineering teams at NQCP and the Growth team at Quantum Foundry. These teams will support the efforts of the development and integration of SNSPDs in our photonic circuit. A number of students will also be dedicated to the SNSPD projects. The nanofabrication is done at the DTU Nanolab – a 1,350 m² ISO 4–6 cleanroom with over 150 state‑of-the-art tools, and one of the leading cleanrooms in Europe. Testing and integration of the SNSPDs will be done at the NQCP Photonics lab at the Niels Bohr Institute established in 2023. The lab contains a range of cryostats (mK to 4K) designed for optical fibre access, state‑of‑the‑art electronics, commercial SNSPDs, etc.

Responsibilities:

• Taking the leading role in developing and integrating SNSPDs into our photonic circuits and establishing the electrical control circuit.
• Structuring the efforts on multiple projects, integrating experimental results in our database, and providing feedback to collaborating teams.
• Contributing to the other projects within the Photonics team. The projects span single photon sources and optical components like switches, cavities, etc.
• Teaching and supervision of students.
• Procurement, maintenance, and operation of scientific equipment.

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• PhD with postdoc experience in experimental physics, engineering, nanotechnologies, or related.
• Experience with SNSPDs fabrication and characterisation, quantum photonics, electronics, and cryogenic systems.
• Experience with control software and data logging – preferably in python.
• Good communication skills and a structured approach to work.

Assessment of applicants

will primarily consider their level of documented, internationally competitive research. The ability to attract external funding will be considered together with outreach qualifications. Teaching qualifications are not mandatory but documented teaching qualifications and teaching experience will be considered.

The position is also open as a postdoc. Please apply to the call corresponding to the position relevant for you. Only one of the positions will be filled.

General criteria apply to the appointment of Assistant Professors at the University of Copenhagen. The criteria (research, teaching, Innovation & societal impact, organizational contribution and leadership) are considered as a framework for an overall assessment of the applicant. In addition, each applicant will be assessed according to the specific requirements listed in this advertisement.

For Assistant professors: https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-meritering-maj-2026/5a_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Assistant_professors.pdf .

Why Us?

Joining NQCP now, you will get involved in a well‑established and ambitious programme, which offers excellent opportunites 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 with strong social services (free universal healthcare, free/subsidised language courses, paid parental leave, subsidised day care institutions and excellent public schools). Our work culture is very egalitarian and prioritises work life balance. Dual career families are the norm, and workplaces offer flexibility to support everyone in having both an exciting career and good family time. Danish cities are known for having excellent infrastructure, for example through widespread bike path networks. We can also offer a thriving food‑scene, excellent museums, and beautiful natural scenery.

Applicants are encouraged to read the University of Copenhagen's Guidance on the merit criterion Innovation and Societal Impact here .

Further information on the Department can be found on the Niels Bohr Institute website. Inquiries about the position can be made to Stefano Paesani: [e-mail] or Peter Granum: [e-mail] .

Start date is the 1st of February 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

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

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 24th of November 2026 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

We will call for interviews shortly after the application deadline. Interviews are expected to take place in mid-December or early-January.