Simulation experts of quantum materials and/or quantum computing circuits

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 quantum material and/or circuit components simulation experts 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 eco-system at the Niels Bohr Institute interacting with international/national collaborators and on-site quantum companies specialized on e.g. qubit measurements and quantum error correction algorithms. The tasks involve designing and understanding quantum circuits for several types of quantum processors, giving you the opportunity to develop a broad quantum technology expertise and push ideas as well as optimal solutions for the different platforms. Your components and 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 design and 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 within two areas: (a) simulation of quantum computing circuits, their relation to error correction designs and relevant quantum computing architectures of the above-mentioned platforms. This may include designing superconducting on-chip circuits and photonic components, electromagnetic simulations, evaluating scalability, cross talk, optimizations of gates, readout schemes, noise modelling and calibration and benchmarking schemes, and engage with simulations of architectures for higher-level algorithm principles. (b) simulations supporting our development of novel quantum materials and components made by advanced fabrication techniques.

The positions are open from 15 February 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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

• Master or PhD in physics, engineering, chemistry, computer science, or related.
• Experience (industrial and/or academic) with finite element method simulations using software such as COMSOL, Qiskit Metal, Lumerical, Ansys, Sonnet or similar.
• Experience with simulations of quantum computing hardware, microwave engineering such as circuit QED and/or integrated photonic components, is preferred.
• Experience with working in a collaborative environment with both theoretical and experimental groups.
• 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.

Terms of salary and employment 

The employment and salary are made in accordance with the Circular on the Collective Agreement concerning academics in the state sector concluded between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). 

Employment will be as academic officer or senior consultant. The salary is based on seniority. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible. The working time are 37 hours per week on average and the working hours are flexible. 

The positions are limited in time until 31 December 2029. 

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance. 

Your application 

Please send an electronic application with attachment via Jobportalen (Click on the link “Apply Now” at the bottom of the post).  

Please include: 

• Curriculum vitae, including a short cover letter. 
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent) 

• Publication list (if relevant) 
• Separate reprints of up to 3 particularly relevant papers 

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

The positions are open from 15 february 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The deadline for applications is 15 January 2024, 23:59 GMT +1.

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

Further information 

For further information please contact Kasper Grove-Rasmussen ([email protected] ) or Peter Krogstrup ([email protected] ).

The Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen – or SCIENCE – is Denmark’s largest science research and education institution with 4,000 employees and 9,700 Bachelor and master students in 12 departments. The faculty has an annual budget of DKK 3 billion. 

Learn more about The Faculty of Science at www.science.ku.dk 

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

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.