PhD Projects in Experimental Quantum Information Science: Explore New Frontiers in Physics and Information – DTU Physics

Are you a talented physicist or engineer with an exceptional drive for groundbreaking research? Do you have a passion for quantum information science and a desire to explore new frontiers in physics and information? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

The Quantum Physics & Information Technology (QPIT) group at DTU Physics is seeking exceptional individuals to join our team as PhD students. We specialize in quantum information processing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing using cutting-edge technologies such as quantum optics, quantum optomechanics, and diamond physics. Our research is primarily focused on fundamental exploration, while also promoting innovation and fostering industry partnerships.

As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to work alongside 45 talented individuals, including faculty members, postdocs and engineers. Our research center is supported by numerous organizations such as the Danish National Research Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Villum Foundation, Innovation Foundation Denmark, Carlsberg Foundation, the Independent Research Fund Denmark and the EU. Located in the vibrant city of Lyngby, just 20 km north of Copenhagen, DTU is renowned as one of the highest-ranked technical universities in Europe.

What we're looking for:
We are seeking extraordinary physicists and engineers who possess exceptional talents and a drive for making significant scientific progress. We value academic excellence and demonstrated achievements in the field of quantum information science. Moreover, we are looking for individuals with exceptional ideation skills and the ability to bring their ideas to life. Your internal drive and passion for groundbreaking research matter the most to us.

What we offer:
Joining our team will provide you with numerous benefits, including:

• The opportunity to explore completely new regimes of physics and information, both theoretically and experimentally.
• An exceptional research group at the forefront of quantum science.
• A friendly and professional research environment with support from supervisors, colleagues, and technical/administrative staff.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and collaboration with brilliant international scientists.
• Competitive university salaries and tax deduction benefits for foreign researchers.
• Support for travel to workshops, conferences, and schools.
• Career planning support for PhD students.

What we expect:
To thrive in our team, we expect the following from you:

• Enthusiasm for tackling large challenges and a passion for solving them.
• An extraordinary drive to achieve groundbreaking results.
• The ability to work collaboratively in a team with an open-minded spirit, embracing both teaching and learning opportunities.
• A genuine interest in discussing physics and engaging in thoughtful conversations.
• Making things work.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Some open PhD projects:

PhD projects in continuous variable quantum information processing:
Generate macroscopic continuous variable (CV) quantum states of light, such as squeezed, entangled, and novel non-Gaussian states. Apply these states in CV quantum communication, quantum computation protocols, extreme quantum sensing, and foundational tests of quantum mechanics.

PhD projects in continuous variable quantum opto-mechanics:
Utilize CV quantum information science techniques to prepare acoustic modes of pristine crystals in the quantum regime. Generate and characterize non-classical states of acoustic modes at low temperatures using CV quantum states, low-loss CV detection schemes, and CV protocols.

PhD project in spin-mechanics:
Explore the coherent coupling of a high-quality mechanical oscillator with a Nitrogen-Vacancy center's spin in diamond. Harness this interaction to achieve coherent control over the mechanical oscillator, opening new avenues for quantum technologies. 

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Ulrik L. Andersen ([email protected]). 

You can read more about us on www.bigq.dk  and www.fysik.dtu.dk/english/Research/QPIT .

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 11 June 2023 (Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.