We are seeking candidates for multiple PhD fellowships in the field of experimental superconducting quantum information devices.
Project 1 – Novel superconducting couplers, qubits and circuit elements: PhD level research with a focus on designing, fabricating and measuring novel superconducting qubits and couplers. This project involves nanofabrication, superconducting circuit design (including device simulation and modeling), low-temperature experiments in cryofree dilution refrigerators using low-noise and high-frequency electrical measurement techniques, and close interactions with theoretical collaborators. This research is supported by an ERC Starting Grant.
Project 2 – Novel materials, fabrication and characterization techniques for superconducting circuits: This PhD project concerns the development of enabling materials, fabrication techniques and in particular characterization methodologies for state-of-the-art superconducting qubit coherence and reliability. The project will involve fabrication, characterization and simulations of materials and qubits for superconducting integrated circuits. This project will involve significant amounts of fabrication, simulation, test and feedback of superconducting circuits and devices. Research will be using cryofree dilution refrigerators, low-noise and high-frequency electrical measurement techniques, data analysis, advanced programming, device modeling and simulations and close interactions with theoretical collaborators. This research is supported by the Novo Nordisk Quantum Computing Programme.
Both projects will be part of the Superconducting Quantum Information Devices Lab (SQuID Lab), jointly at the Center for Quantum Devices and the Novo Nordisk Quantum Computing Programme, both located at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen.
Applicants should hold a masters or undergraduate degree in physics, preferably with relevant experimental experience.
Scientific writing and communication will be in English.
The position is open from 1 June 2024 or by arrangement. The duration of the regular PhD Programme is three years.
Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance.
Inquiries about Project 1 can be made to PI Associate Professor Morten Kjaergaard (mkjaergaard@nbi.ku.dk), co-PI Research Scientist Jacob Hastrup (jacob.hastrup@nbi.ku.dk) and inquiries about Project 2 can be made to PI Associate Professor Morten Kjaergaard (mkjaergaard@nbi.ku.dk) and co-PI Senior Characterization Engineer Kasper Grove-Rasmussen (k_grove@nbi.ku.dk).
Description of the scientific environment
The Center for Quantum Devices is a research center comprising materials research, experimental solid-state physics, quantum nanoelectronics, and condensed matter theory. The Center provides a vibrant scientific environment with cutting-edge research performed across many different groups spread across condensed matter and superconducting qubit experiments with close ties to many international collaboraors as well as longstanding collaborations with many activities in the quantum industry.
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. Funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, NQCP 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.
Further information about QDev can be found at www.qdev.nbi.ku.dk and more information about NQCP can be found at www.nqcp.ku.dk.
We are looking for the following qualifications
- Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project, i.e. experience with some of the following: superconducting qubits, nanofabrication, device modeling, cryogenic measurements, materials characterization etc.
- Relevant publications
- Relevant work experience
- Other relevant professional activities
- Curious mind-set with a strong interest in superconducting qubit development
- Good language skills
Please include:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page, including motivation for applying for Project 1, Project 2 or both)
- Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
- Publication list (if possible)
- If possible, please list up to three scientists that you have worked with closely in your past research. (We will contact you for your consent if we wish to contact these.)
Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme:
- Complete and pass the MSc education in accordance with the curriculum of the MSc programme (ONLY for the integrated MSc and PhD programme, see below for details)
- 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
The PhD programme
Depending on your level of education, you can undertake the PhD programme as either:
Option A: A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.
Option B: An up to five year full-time study programme within the framework of the integrated MSc and PhD programme (the 3+5 scheme), if you do not have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master´s degree – but you have an education equivalent to a Danish bachelor’s degree.
Option A: Getting into a position on the regular PhD programme
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. Physics or Applied Physics. 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.
The terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure. Salary range starts at DKK 27,871.40 per month incl. PhD supplement (1 Oct. 2021 level).
Option B: Getting into a position on the integrated MSc and PhD programme
Qualifications needed for the integrated MSc and PhD programme
If you do not have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master´s degree, you might be qualified for the integrated MSc and PhD programme, if you have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish bachelor´s degree. Here you can find out, if that is relevant for you: General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.
Terms of the integrated programme
To be eligible for the integrated scholarship, you are (or are eligible to be) enrolled at one of the faculty’s master programmes in Physics or NanoScience.
Students on the integrated programme will enroll as PhD students simultaneously with completing their enrollment in this MSc degree programme. The duration of the integrated programme is up to five years, and depends on the amount of credits that you have passed on your MSc programme. For further information about the study programme, please see: www.science.ku.dk/phd, “Study Structures”.
Until the MSc degree is obtained, (when exactly two years of the full 3+5 programme remains), the grant will be paid partly in the form of 48 state education grant portions (in Danish: “SU-klip”) plus salary for work (teaching, supervision etc.) totalling a workload of at least 150 working hours per year. A PhD grant portion is DKK 6,243. Salary is DKK 222 per working hour (+ 12.5% holiday pay).(1 Oct. 2021 level)
When you have obtained the MSc degree, you will transfer to the salary-earning part of the scholarship for a period of two years. At that point, the terms of employment and payment will be according to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure. Salary range starts at DKK 27,871,40 per month incl. PhD supplement.
Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
The deadline for applications is 26 February 2024, 23:59 GMT +1
As an equal opportunity employer, the University of Copenhagen invites applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, religion, or ethnic origin. You can read more about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee. Afterwards an assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the selected applications. The applicants will be notified of the composition of the committee and the final selection of a successful candidate will be made by the Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee and the interview committee.
The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant and the above mentioned skills. The successful candidate will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD school of Science. You can read more about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Questions
General information about PhD programmes at SCIENCE is available at https://www.science.ku.dk/phd. For questions related to the scientific content please address inquiries to PI Associate Professor Morten Kjaergaard (mkjaergaard@nbi.ku.dk), co-PI Research Scientist Jacob Hastrup (jacob.hastrup@nbi.ku.dk) or co-PI Senior Characterization Engineer Kasper Grove-Rasmussen (k_grove@nbi.ku.dk).
Deadline: 2024-02-26 at 23:59
Unit: Physical sciences/Math
Read the job description at the university homepage or apply.