PhD fellowships in Quantum Optics and Quantum Sensing

KU; København; On-site; DKK 340,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

The Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for PhD fellowships in Quantum Optics and Quantum Sensing. Start date is 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter, with research at QUANTOP and the CBQS collaborative program.

We seek candidates with a master’s degree in a related field and strong hands-on experience in quantum optics, atomic physics and experimental physics.

Qualifications

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project include experience in quantum optics and atomic physics, in particular with generation of quantum states of light and atoms, magnetic field generation and measurement, radiofrequency electronics, computer control and modelling.
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in quantum physics and its applications in biomedical sensing.

Responsibilities

• Carry out an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses (~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

Skills

Quantum optics

Atomic physics

Experimental physics

Mathematical modelling

Computer control

Education

Master's degree in a related field (e.g., Physics)

Tools

Lab instrumentation

RF electronics

Job description

PhD fellowships in Quantum Optics and Quantum Sensing

The Niels Bohr Institute invites applicants for PhD fellowships in Quantum Optics and Quantum Sensing.

Start date is 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The projects

The projects will contribute to the development of quantum sensors based on room temperature atomic ensembles. Atomic vapours in spin protecting environment have been developed at our laboratory and used as ultrasensitive sensors of electromagnetic fields. Quantum limits of sensitivity set by the interplay between measurement imprecision and measurement quantum backaction have been explored and methods towards overcoming those limits have been developed. The PhD projects will contribute to two main modalities in quantum sensing being developed at our group, magnetometry and magnetic induction tomography. Generation of entangled and squeezed states of collective atomic spin and light for enhanced sensitivity will be explored. Effects of entangled states of light and atomic spins on the limits of sensitivity to electro-magnetic fields will be investigated. Optimized quantum limited sensors will be incorporated in magnetometers optimized for specific tasks. Projects will ultimately aim at applications of entanglement-enabled atomic sensors for bio-medical sensing in collaboration with medical professionals.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

The group is a part of the Niels Bohr Institute (Department of Physics), the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. Research will be carried out at QUANTOP laboratories and is part of the Copenhagen Center for Biomedical Quantum Sensing - CBQS. We are a vibrant group of approximately 20 researchers and students working on quantum physics of atoms and light with particular emphasis on interfacing disparate quantum systems with light. Generation of entangled states of light and atoms and their use for quantum sensing, quantum communication and quantum simulations are the core activities at QUANTOP. CBQS is a collaborative effort between the Niels Bohr Institute, Danish Technical University, University of Texas in Austin and medical professionals in Denmark and abroad.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories located on Blegdamsvej 17, Copenhagen ∅.

• Principal supervisor is Prof. Eugene Polzik, [e-mail]

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, e.g. [relevant educations]. 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 in both PhD programmes

• Complete and pass the MSc education in accordance with the curriculum of the MSc programme (ONLY when you are attending the integrated MSc and PhD programme)
• 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 include experience in quantum optics and atomic physics, in particular with generation of quantum states of light and atoms, magnetic field generation and measurement, radiofrequency electronics, computer control and modelling.
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in quantum physics and its applications in biomedical sensing

Application and Assessment Procedure

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 is14 October 2026, 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 and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Questions

For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.