Postdoc in quantum algorithms & quantum software

University of Southern Denmark; Odense; On-site; DKK 430,000 - 530,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern Denmark’s Centre for Quantum Mathematics invites outstanding candidates for 2–3 year postdoctoral positions in quantum algorithms and quantum software, based in Odense. The role focuses on advancing research, collaborating with international teams, and shaping project ideas with broad impact.

Applicants should hold a PhD in mathematics, CS or theoretical physics, demonstrate a strong research track, and communicate effectively in English.

Qualifications

• PhD in mathematics, computer science or theoretical physics and a strong research record.
• Emerging research trajectory in quantum algorithms or quantum software.
• Ability to work effectively in an international team and communicate in English.

Responsibilities

• Drive internationally competitive research in quantum algorithms and software.
• Collaborate with the global quantum computing community and QM partners.
• Contribute to the development of quantum software architecture and applications.

Skills

Fluent English

International collaboration

Independent researcher

Education

PhD in mathematics, computer science or theoretical physics

Job description

Position Description

The positionThe Centre for Quantum Mathematics (QM) at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), seeks outstanding candidates to fill a number of 2-3-year postdotoral positions in quantum algorithms and quantum software.The targeted starting date of the position is 01.08.2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

About the Centre for Quantum Mathematics (QM)

Over the past seven years, QM has built a highly international and interdisciplinary research environment spanning a broad spectrum of pure mathematics, mathematical physics and quantum computer science. The Centre has attracted leading international researchers to Odense and developed a unique research environment spanning both fundamental and applied research.

The University of Southern Denmark has recently invested DKK 50 million in the Centre for Quantum Mathematics, on top of its continuous substantial basic funding of the centre, which will enable the Centre to further expand its scientific capacity, attract and retain leading international researchers, increase the acquisition of competitive external research funding and establish strategic collaborations with industry, public authorities and international partners.

As part of this continued development and expansion, QM will move into a new dedicated building from next year. The new building will be located on the SDU campus in Odense and will provide a dedicated research environment for the Centre and its growing international research community.

Research activities and funding

The QM centre is located at the Faculty of Science on the international campus in Odense, Denmark and it is hosting several large European, Danish and American grants including “New Structures in Low-Dimensional Topology” (Simons Collaboration) & “Topological Photonic Quantum Computing and its Applications” (Innovation Fund Denmark) both led by PI and Centre Director Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen; “Mathematics of the open topological string” (VILLUM Investigator) led by Professor Vivek Shende; “The Quantum Geometry of Dynamical Systems” (VILLUM Ascending Investigator) and “The Emergent Geometry of Categories” (DFF Sapere Aude) both led by Associate Professor Fabian Haiden; “New invariants in low-dimensional topology via quantum field theory” (VILLUM Young Investigator) led by Associate Professor Du Pei, “Global Categorical Symmetries and Phases of Quantum Matter” (VILLUM Young Investigator) led by Assistant Professor Apoorv Tiwari, “From Pertubative to Non-pertubative Quantum Field Theory by cutting and gluing” (DFF Sapere Aude) led by Assistant Professor Konstantin Wernli and finally “Leveraging Algebraic Geometry for High-Precision Fundamental Physics“ (DFF Sapere Aude) led by Associate Professor Matthias Wilhelm.

Job description

A successful candidate will help drive internationally competitive research, collaborate with the world community in the field, and contribute to QM’s excellent research environment. The candidates will get the opportunity to shape the development together with the team and implement research project ideas with national and international impact.

Topics of interest: mathematics, mathematical physics, quantum algorithms, quantum software architecture and quantum computing.

We expect

The candidates must have a PhD degree in pure or applied mathematics, computer science or theoretical physics and a strong research record.

The candidates must further have an emerging research track in the field. We are seeking highly motivated candidates, who work and communicate well in an international team. The candidates must be able to carry out independent and rigorous work at top international level.

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Danish is not a prerequisite for application. The hired candidate will be offered Danish courses by the university.

Living and working in Odense

Odense is a fast-growing international community with an open Scandinavian culture, affordable housing and living costs.

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. For non-Danish candidates there is an optional researcher taxation scheme. Information of salary rates can be found at: https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/job-sdu/international-staff

Assessment

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

Application

The application including the required attachments must be in English.

Application deadline is 3 January 2027

The applications must include:

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Certificates/Diplomas (MSc and PhD) - Danish or English
• Research Statement
• List of publications

2 or more letters of recommendation should be submitted directly to [e-mail] mentioning your name and the title of the position in the subject field. Please note that these need to reach us before the application deadline.

Contact information

Further information is available from the Head of the Centre, Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen ([e-mail]).

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

For international applicants about entering and working in Denmark: https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/job-sdu/international-staff

About The Faculty of Natural Sciences: https://www.sdu.dk/en/nat