The Quantum Physics and Information Technology (QPIT) group at DTU Physics invites applications from outstanding candidates for PhD positions. Our research focuses on quantum information processing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and emerging opportunities at the intersection of fundamental quantum physics and other fields, such as gravity. We employ advanced platforms such as quantum optics, quantum optomechanics, and diamond-based systems.
As a member of the group, you will be affiliated with both QPIT and bigQ – Center for Macroscopic Quantum States, a Danish National Center of Excellence in quantum information science and technology. The center aims to explore quantum phenomena in new macroscopic regimes, advance fundamental understanding, and accelerate the development of next-generation quantum technologies. While our primary emphasis is on fundamental research, we actively promote innovation and cultivate strong collaborations with industry partners.
The center offers a dynamic and international working environment, bringing together approximately 60 researchers and staff from around 23 nationalities, including faculty members, PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, engineers, and administrative personnel.
What we're looking for:
We are looking for exceptional physicists who combine outstanding talent with a strong drive. In particular, we value academic excellence and demonstrated scientific achievements. We also expect you to be able to develop new ideas, take initiative, and assume ownership of your projects. A strong intrinsic motivation to achieve significant and ground-breaking results is essential.
We expect you to be motivated and dedicated to high-quality research. You should enjoy working in a team, sharing your knowledge, and being open to new ideas. We value curiosity and creativity, and we expect you to share these qualities. It is important that you work openly, honestly, and responsibly. You should be eager to take on big challenges, enjoy solving them, and have a strong drive to achieve groundbreaking results. You should also enjoy discussing physics and engaging in thoughtful conversations.
You must have (or complete before starting) a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS), or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree, in physics, applied mathematics or related fields and have excellent analytical skills We are looking for experience in topics relevant to the project:
- quantum mechanics
- quantum information
- quantum optics
- quantum field theory
- quantum nonlocality
- general relativity
Documented project experience (e.g. from the MSc thesis) in any of these topics, theoretical or experimental, is an advantage, as is experience with combinations of multiple of the topics.
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 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.
- Keeping projects aligned with goals.
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 Professor Ulrik Lund Andersen ([email protected]) and Associate Professor Jonathan Bohr Brask ([email protected]).
You can read more about us on bigQ - Center for Macroscopic Quantum States and DTU Physics.
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 29 June 2026 (23:59 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, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.
