PhD fellowship in Quantum Optomechanics at the Niels Bohr Institute

The Quantum Optomechanics group at the Niels Bohr Institute invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Quantum Sensing. The project is part of the research project “Phononic Quantum Sensors”, which is financed by the European Research Council and the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Start date is 1 January 2023 or by arrangement.

The project

The development of extremely coherent mechanical resonators has recently enabled dramatic advances in the performance of quantum sensors for force and displacement, for which the Quantum Optomechanics group at the Niels Bohr Institute has played a pioneering role.

Based on this platform, this fellowship will explore novel quantum measurement techniques, which harness quantum correlations and entanglement generated via parametric interactions in hybrid opto- and electromechanical systems, and thereby overcome conventional quantum noise limitations. The candidate will perform cutting-edge experiments using quantum optical, electronic and cryogenic techniques. They will also develop theoretical models and compare it to the data taken.

Applications of this research range from quantum-limited scanning probe nanoscopy to gravitational wave detectors, and a wide array of hybrid quantum systems with mechanical elements. The project enjoys dedicated support from the European Research Council (ERC) and the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of experimental physics. Applicants can have a background from e.g. quantum optics and electronics.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

The Quantum Optomechanics group brings together researchers from all over the world, and various scientific backgrounds, in a dynamic team. We have world-class infrastructure at our disposal and access to cutting-edge nanofabrication facilities.

We have a wide collaboration network, which provides access not only to first-class theoretical support, but also broad expertise in all of quantum optics and electronics. The larger quantum community at the Niels Bohr Institute provides for a stimulating environment with ample opportunity for interactions, and exposure to international frontier research through e.g. seminars and lectures.

Further information about the Quantum Optomechanics group can be found at www.slab.nbi.dk

Principal supervisor isProfessor Albert Schliesser, Niels Bohr Institute, [email protected] , direct phone +45 35 32 54 01.

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 bachelors´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. 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.

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.

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 150 working hours per year.
A PhD grant portion is currently (2022) DKK 6.397 before tax.

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.

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
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in in quantum physics
• Good language skills

***************************************************************************

Application and Assessment Procedure

 Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include: 

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is 2 October 2022, 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/ .

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 39.

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

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/ .

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

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.