Assistant Professor of Neutral Atom Quantum Technologies

University of Copenhagen; København; On-site; DKK 500,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) is establishing an international team at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, to drive cutting-edge quantum research in Copenhagen. The assistant professor will focus on research, including publication and research-based teaching with exam obligations within physics.

Some additional duties may apply. Applicants will be assessed on internationally competitive research and the ability to attract external funding.

Qualifications

• Candidates will be assessed on internationally competitive research.
• Teaching ability is considered, but formal teaching qualifications are not mandatory.
• Strong potential to attract external funding will be evaluated.

Responsibilities

• Primary duties include research with publication obligations.
• Research-based teaching with associated examination obligations within physics.
• To a limited extent other duties may be performed.

Job description

Niels Bohr Institute

Faculty of Science

University of Copenhagen

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 aim to establish an international quantum computing programme, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, that will drive 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

The assistant professor’s duties will primarily include research, including obligations with regard to publication/scientific communication and research‑based teaching with associated examination obligations within physics. To a limited extent this may also include performance of other duties.

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.

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.

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 website nbi.ku.dk, and further information on the research programme can be found on nqcp.ku.dk.

Inquiries about the position can be made to Stefan Alaric Schäffer ([e-mail]) and Jan W. Thomsen ([e-mail]).

The position is open from March 1st 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The end date for the position is 31 December 2029.

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

Why Us?

Joining NQCP now, you will be involved from our early stages and contribute to the fulfilment of the mission of NQCP. 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.

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.

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance.

The deadline for applications is Monday 9 November 2026, 23:59 GMT +2.

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/.

Interviews will be held in the middle of December 2026.

Please refer to the following no. in future communication in this case: 211-0604/26-2A