UHV Process & Automation Engineer

Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen; Institute (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) at the University of Copenhagen seeks an UHV Process & Automation Engineer to join state‑of‑the‑art crystal growth and automated materials platforms. You will help advance quantum technologies by building sophisticated growth processes and integrating measurement instrumentation in a cutting‑edge research facility.

You will operate and optimise UHV systems, implement automated procedures, and work with multidisciplinary teams to

Qualifications

• Experience in ultra-high vacuum technology and crystal growth
• Background in process engineering and laboratory automation
• Knowledge of PLC or industrial control systems is desirable
• Familiarity with instrument control software and data acquisition could be beneficial

Responsibilities

• Operate and optimise advanced UHV systems
• Develop and improve crystal growth processes
• Implement automation of experimental procedures
• Integrate sensors, controllers and instrumentation
• Develop process monitoring and logging systems
• Support commissioning of new crystal growth equipment
• Optimize process stability and throughput
• Troubleshoot complex experimental systems
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on research infrastructure

Skills

UHV technology

Crystal growth systems

Process engineering

Laboratory automation

PLC or industrial control

Instrumentation control software

Data acquisition

Scientific instrumentation

Semiconductor processing

Tools

Python

LabVIEW

EPICS

Motion control systems

Vacuum instrumentation

Temperature control systems

Semiconductor manufacturing

Thin-film deposition

Materials characterization

Job description

Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) University of Copenhagen

Develop advanced crystal growth and automated UHV processes for quantum technologies

UHV Process & Automation Engineer

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) is establishing state-of-the-art crystal growth and materials platforms supporting future quantum processors. We are seeking an engineer with strong expertise in ultra-high vacuum systems, process engineering and laboratory automation.

The successful candidate will help develop automated growth processes for advanced materials while integrating sophisticated instrumentation into next-generation research facilities.

Your Responsibilities

• Operate and optimise advanced UHV systems
• Develop and improve crystal growth processes
• Implement automation of experimental procedures
• Integrate sensors, controllers and instrumentation
• Develop process monitoring and logging systems
• Support commissioning of new crystal growth equipment
• Optimize process stability, reproducibility and throughput
• Participate in troubleshooting complex experimental systems
• Work with multidisciplinary teams on advanced research infrastructure

Qualifications

We are looking for candidates with experience in several of the following areas:

• Ultra-high vacuum technology
• Crystal growth systems (MBE, epitaxy or related technologies)
• Process engineering
• Laboratory automation
• PLC or industrial control systems
• Instrument control software
• Data acquisition and process monitoring
• Scientific instrumentation
• Semiconductor processing technologies

Experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable:

• Python or LabVIEW or similar
• EPICS or similar control frameworks
• Motion control systems
• Vacuum instrumentation
• Temperature control systems
• Semiconductor manufacturing
• Thin-film deposition
• Materials characterization

Personal Qualifications

You are curious, analytical and enjoy improving complex technical systems. You combine practical engineering skills with a structured approach to process optimisation and automation. You enjoy working in an ambitious international research environment where engineering directly enables scientific breakthrough.

Why us?

Both positions offer the opportunity to work in one of Europe's largest quantum technology initiatives, where engineers collaborate closely with internationally recognised scientists to develop the technologies needed for future fault-tolerant quantum computing.

At NQCP you will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, excellent professional development opportunities, and an international, collaborative working environment located at the University of Copenhagen.

Joining NQCP now, you will be involved from the very beginning 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.

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 salary and employment

The employment and salary are made in accordance with the Circular on the Collective Agreement concerning academics in the state sector concluded between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Employment will be as an academic employee or special consultant. The salary is based on seniority. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible. The working time are 37 hours per week on average and the working hours are flexible.

The position is limited in time from 1st of December 2026 to 31st of December 2029.

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance.

Further information

For further information please contact Jan Westenkær Thomsen, [e-mail]

The Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen – or SCIENCE – is Denmark's largest science research and education institution with 4,000 employees and 9,700 Bachelor and master students in 12 departments. The faculty has an annual budget of DKK 3 billion.

Learn more about The Faculty of Science at www.science.ku.dk

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

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.

Info

Application deadline: 05-10-2026

Employment start: 01-11-2026

Working hours: Full time

Department/Location: Niels Bohr Institute