211-1830/24-2H PhD fellowship in Experimental Quantum Otics - neutral atoms

PhD Project in Neutral Atoms

Niels Bohr Insitute
Faculty of SCIENCE

University of Copenhagen

The Niels Bohr Institute, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in experimental quantum optics to contribute to the development of a new platform for quantum simulation and many-body physics based on neutral atom arrays coupled to nanophotonic waveguides.

The project is part of the interdisciplinary consortium “Quantum for Life”, which is financed by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF), https://quantumforlife.ku.dk.

The start date is 1 September 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.
This position is fully funded.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

The project

The project will focus on experimental development of a new platform for quantum physics with cold atoms coupled to nano-scale dielectric structures. The project is highly multidisciplinary and we expect that the PhD student will contribute to current research on single-atom transport and laser cooling, atomic qubit control and characterization, as well as advanced numerical simulations for atom trapping and nanophotonic integration.

An important goal will be to explore strong atom-atom interactions mediated by light propagating in carefully engineered nano-scale dielectric waveguides.

Place of employment and description of the scientific environment

Research will be carried out at QUANTOP – Center for Quantum Optics at the Niels Bohr Institute (Department of Physics) at the University of Copenhagen, https://quantop.nbi.ku.dk.

QUANTOP is a vibrant group of approximately 20 researchers and students working on quantum physics of atoms, light and mechanical objects with particular emphasis on interfacing disparate quantum systems with light. Generation of entangled states of light, atoms, material objects, and their use for quantum sensing, quantum communication and quantum simulations are the core activities of the group. Our research facilities include modern laboratories located on Blegdamsvej 17, Copenhagen ∅.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. The NNF project takes place in a highly collaborative environment with regular interactions with theoretical physicists, mathematicians and quantum chemists.

Principal supervisor is Professor Eugene S. Polzik, Niels Bohr Institute, E-mail: [email protected].

Co-supervisors: Asst. Prof. Jean-Baptiste Béguin and Assoc. Prof. Jörg Helge Müller, Niels Bohr Institute.

The PhD programme

A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme)

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. 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.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

Your responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision and within a research team

• 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
• Work for the department

We are looking for the following profile and qualifications

Are you a highly motivated and enthusiastic student with the following competencies and experience?

• Applicants should hold an MSc degree in physics with good results
• Relevant hands-on experience and active interest in experimental atomic physics, quantum optics with single atoms or atomic ensembles or similar.
• Good English language skills (written and spoken)
• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications (if any)
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in fundamental research and quantum technologies

How to apply

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



Please include

1. Cover letter of application (max. two pages). This should include your motivation and background for applying to this PhD position. Please describe your profile in relation to competences or prior experiences in experimental quantum optics/physics with atoms or similar.
2. Curriculum vitae (CV) including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science and Master of Science. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted. Please include transcripts of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish.
4. Other information for consideration, e.g. list of publications (if any)
5. (1-2) reference letters would be highly appreciated. Reference letters must be uploaded by the applicant him/herself.

Application deadline

The deadline for applications is June 12, 2024, 23:59 GMT .+2 h

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the above mentioned requirements.

The further 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.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://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/.