Postdoc in Experimental Photonic Quantum Computing

We are seeking one or more highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Researchers to join our team and contribute to our cutting‑edge activities within photonic quantum computing. The open positions are attached to three different collaborative projects with related but distinct goals, all making use of our expertise in squeezing‑based entangled states of light.

Projects

- ClusterQ (ERC): A platform for continuous‑variable quantum computing using 3D cluster states and hybrid (photon number + quadrature) detection.

- TopQC2X (Innovation Fund Denmark): Experimental primitives for topological quantum computing, including GKP state generation and nonlinear gates.

- EPIQUE (Horizon Europe): Cluster state generation on photonic integrated chips and its integration into a measurement‑based Gaussian Boson Sampling machine.

These ambitious projects all focus on addressing fundamental and technical challenges in photonic quantum computing using continuous‑variable entanglement. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to engage in pioneering research, collaborate with a large, dynamic and multidisciplinary team, and advance the field of quantum computing through innovative algorithms and technologies.

Responsibilities and qualifications

We are looking for exceptional physicists with extraordinary talents and outstanding drive. In particular, we are looking for academic excellence and/or demonstrated scientific achievements. We also expect you to have a strong ability to conceive new ideas, construct high‑performance experimental setups, take initiative and leadership, and secure progress of the experimental work on a daily basis. Essential is your internal drive to achieve significant and ground‑breaking results.

- Project 1: Explore the generation and manipulation of 3D cluster states and their potential for fault‑tolerant quantum computing.

- Project 2: Design, construct and operate small squeezed light interferometers with photon counting (GBS‑style setup) for non‑classical state generation and gate implementation.

- Project 3: Develop, together with project partners, advanced waveguide circuits in thin‑film lithium niobate for cluster state generation.

In common for the three projects:

- Develop new quantum computing protocols using CV states of light and hybrid detection technologies.

- Plan, distribute and follow up on tasks with the rest of the team. Report effectively on progress and plans.

- Publish research results in high‑quality scientific journals, and present research findings at conferences and workshops.

- Collaborate with researchers from other institutions within our various collaborative grants and networks to advance the overall project goals.

What we expect from you

- be motivated and dedicated to do research of the highest standards,

- enjoy working in a team, be excited about sharing your expertise with other group members, and be open to new ideas,

- share our values of scientific curiosity and creativity,

- be open and honest and to conduct research responsibly,

- be excited about large challenges and enjoy solving them,

- have an extraordinary drive towards achieving groundbreaking results,

- love physics discussions and participating in thoughtful conversations,

- make things work and deliver

Further requirements and qualifications

We require demonstrated expertise in experimental quantum optics and a PhD (or equivalent) in physics, quantum information science, or a related field. We expect you to check multiple of these boxes:

- Expertise in quantum information processing, quantum optics, or related fields.

- Strong experimental skills and solid theoretical understanding of quantum information.

- Experience in continuous variable quantum information processing and entanglement generation is preferred but not required.

- Experience in programming, simulation and data analysis. Ideally also in experiment automation.

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

- Excellent communication skills in English.

You will be working within the DNRF Center of Excellence bigQ (Center for Macroscopic Quantum States) at the Section for Quantum Physics and Information Technology (QPIT) at the Department of Physics. We offer a stimulating research environment with excellent opportunities for professional growth and development. The successful candidate will have access to state‑of‑the‑art experimental facilities and resources, as well as a large and diverse research group with a wide variety of professional competencies to help them achieve their research goals.

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 terms of employment

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 2 years. Starting day as soon as possible, upon mutual agreement. The work location will be DTU campus in Lyngby.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from the Head of Section, Ulrik Lund Andersen (Ulrik.andersen@fysik.dtu.dk) or Associate Professor, Jonas Neergaard‑Nielsen (jsne@fysik.dtu.dk). You can read more about us on https://physics.dtu.dk/qpit. If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 17 December 2025 (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:

- Application (cover letter)

- CV

- Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)

- List of publications

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.

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.

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