Assistant Professor of Quantum Materials Simulations

Niels Bohr Institute, The Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme
Faculty of Science

University of Copenhagen



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. At the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, where the formulation of Quantum Mechanics was born 100 years ago, we aim to establish an international quantum computing programme, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, that 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.

Role description
NQCP is looking for a quantum material simulation expert to work closely with Quantum engineering teams in the quest of identifying truly scalable processors for fault-tolerant quantum computing. You will be part of a thriving quantum ecosystem at the Niels Bohr Institute interacting with international/national collaborators and on-site quantum companies specialized in e.g. qubit measurements and quantum error correction algorithms. The tasks involve understanding quantum materials and related circuits for several types of quantum processors, giving you the opportunity to develop broad quantum technology expertise and push ideas as well as optimal solutions for the different platforms. Your material simulations will be essential input for realizing improved quantum computing hardware, which will be fabricated and characterized by the NQCP fabrication and characterization teams to establish feedback loops. Furthermore, your simulations will contribute to identifying the most promising platform for scalable fault-tolerant quantum computing (as a part of the pathfinder phase 2025-29), setting the grounds for the scaling phase of the programme (2030-2035). The programme has a strong focus on materials R&D for realizing state-of-the-art quantum processor technologies, which will be synthesized in ultra-high vacuum facilities as it is expected to be essential for improving qubit performance through material optimization (multimillion DKK investment by the partnership company Quantum Foundry P/S).

We expect you to drive efforts that will support the development of chip-based qubit platforms. Currently, the programme is focusing on establishing capabilities to build integrated circuits with superconducting, semiconducting, and photonic qubit platforms. You will be working in tight collaboration with both theoretical and experimental groups. More specifically, the program is looking for experts on advanced material simulations, who can support our understanding of e,g defects and related decoherence mechanisms in current quantum processor technology as well as the development of novel quantum materials and components made by beyond state-of-the-art fabrication techniques. These materials simulations are part of developing simulation capabilities within NQCP related to quantum computing circuits including simulation on the electromagnetic environment, scalability, cross talk, readout schemes, noise modeling, calibration and benchmarking schemes, and architectures for higher-level algorithm principles.

The assistant professor’s duties will primarily include research, including obligations with regard to publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching with associated examination obligations within Quantum Materials Simulations. To a limited extent this may also include performance of other duties. The assistant professor will also be engaged in co-supervising students within the field of Quantum Materials Simulation.

Qualifications
The successful candidate will have some of the following qualifications:

• PhD in physics, engineering, chemistry, computer science, or related.
• Extensive experience with quantum materials simulations related to e.g. photonic components, quantum devices or quantum computing hardware (ab-initio calculation, DFT, QED, cQED, ...)
• Experience with finite element method simulations such as COMSOL, Ansys, Lumerical or similar.
• Experience with working in a collaborative environment with both theoretical and experimental groups.
• Strong publication record within the field
• Good communication skills and ability to coordinate the work in a complex research program.

Why Us?

Joining NQCP now, you will be involved from the very beginning and contribute to the fulfilment of the mission of NQCP. We want to make Denmark a world leader in quantum research, and we hope to attract people from all over the world.

Life in Denmark is supported with strong social services (free universal healthcare, free/subsidised language courses, paid parental leave, subsidised day care institutions and excellent public schools). Our work culture is very egalitarian and prioritises work life balance. Dual career families are the norm, and workplaces offer flexibility to support everyone in having both an exciting career and good family time. Danish cities are known for having excellent infrastructure, for example through widespread bike path networks. We can also offer a thriving food-scene, excellent museums, and beautiful natural scenery.

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



Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, internationally competitive research. The ability to attract external funding will be considered together with outreach qualifications. Teaching qualifications are not mandatory but documented teaching qualifications and teaching experience will be considered.


Six overall criteria apply for assistant professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates. Furthermore, each candidate must be assessed according to the specific requirements stated in the job advertisement. Please read more at https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/dokumenter-til-meritering/5a_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Assistant_professors.pdf .

Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/.



Inquiries about the position can be made to Peter Krogstrup, [email protected] or Kasper Grove-Rasmussen, [email protected]

The position is open from 15 August 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.
Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The position is limited in time until 31 December 2029.

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.



Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• If available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications - please describe and document:
  • Experience with supervision of BSc and MSc students
  • Teaching experience
  • Formal pedagogical training
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applicants is Monday 8 April 2024, 23:59 GMT +2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

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