PhD fellowships in the operation of spin qubit processors at the Niels Bohr Institute, Center for Quantum Devices

We seek outstanding candidates for two PhD positions to work on spin qubit experiments at the Center for Quantum Devices, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen. The positions are open from 1 September 2022 or by arrangement.

The Projects

The first project, sponsored via a European Quantera network, focuses on the operation of few-qubit arrays and leverages sophisticated control and readout techniques that harness recent advances in low-latency signal generation and associated algorithmic data acquisition. Experiments on spin-qubit operation, multi-qubit dynamics, quantum algorithms and machine-learning techniques will be performed at the Center for Quantum Devices (located at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen) in close collaboration with expert partners in the field of machine-learning, spin-qubit theory, and control engineering.

The second project is sponsored through an EU Research and Innovation Action and develops arrays of hole-spin qubits implemented in germanium-silicon heterostructures. The experimental tasks include qubit fabrication and operation, developing control protocols, and exploring the integration of superconducting resonators as coherent long-distance links.

Both projects combine nanofabrication, low-temperature physics using dilution refrigerators, low-noise and high-frequency electrical measurement and control techniques, data analysis, interaction with theoretical physicists, and scientific writing in English. An active collaboration between experiment and theory in various research groups across Europe is envisioned.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree or a US undergraduate degree in Physics or Applied Physics with relevant experimental experience, ideally including published research.

Inquiries about the positions can be made to Assistant Professor Anasua Chatterjee ([email protected] ) or Associate Professor Ferdinand Kuemmeth ([email protected] ).

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. It has a state-of-the-art fabrication cleanroom and quantum measurement labs enabling researchers to conduct their experiments on the highest-quality devices.

The Center provides a vibrant scientific environment with cutting-edge research performed across many different groups in fundamental condensed matter, with close ties to a strong theory department as well as longstanding collaborations with industry. The center is part of the Niels Bohr Institute, which has played a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of quantum physics for the past century.

Further information about QDev can be found at www.qdev.dk .

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in the physics and engineering of spin qubits and quantum information processors
• Good language skills

• 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

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.

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.

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.) totaling a workload of at least 150 working hours per year.  

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).

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

The deadline for applications is 25 June 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 the 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.

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.