PhD Fellowships in Quantum Optics and Quantum Sensing, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen
Job Description
These PhD positions in quantum optics and quantum sensing are at the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen. You will build quantum sensors from warm atomic vapours and light. The group aims to use entangled light and atoms to measure tiny magnetic fields, with a focus on medical uses.
At a glance
- Positions: PhD fellowships (more than one), full time
- Where: QUANTOP laboratories, Niels Bohr Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Supervisor: Prof. Eugene Polzik
- Duration: Up to 3 years
- Start: 1 January 2027 or soon after
- Apply: 14 October 2026, 23:59 (GMT+2)
About the quantum sensing projects
- Develop quantum sensors based on room-temperature atomic ensembles in spin-protecting cells
- Work on two sensing methods: magnetometry and magnetic induction tomography
- Generate entangled and squeezed states of atomic spins and light
- Study how these states push past the usual limits set by measurement noise and back-action
- Build optimised magnetometers for specific tasks, aimed at biomedical sensing with medical partners
- Take about 30 ECTS of PhD courses, teach, and spend time at another institution, preferably abroad
The work is part of the Copenhagen Center for Biomedical Quantum Sensing (CBQS). CBQS links the Niels Bohr Institute, the Technical University of Denmark, the University of Texas at Austin and medical professionals.
Why this role matters
Quantum sensing is one of the first quantum technologies moving into real use. Atomic magnetometers could measure signals from the heart or brain without cryogenic cooling. This group is known for pioneering light-atom entanglement, so you would learn from the source.
What University of Copenhagen is looking for
- A degree equal to a Danish master’s (a 3-year BSc plus a 2-year MSc) in a related subject
- Experience in quantum optics and atomic physics, especially making quantum states of light and atoms
- Skills in magnetic field generation and measurement, radio-frequency electronics, computer control and modelling
- Relevant publications, work experience or other professional activities count in your favour
- A curious mind and a strong interest in quantum physics for biomedical sensing
- Good English
Pay and location
The ad does not give a figure. Pay follows the Danish agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) for academics in the state. The job depends on your enrolment at the Faculty of Science PhD School. The university may run a background screening before you join.
How to apply
Apply through the official University of Copenhagen page. The closing date is 14 October 2026, 23:59 (GMT+2). Use the APPLY NOW button on the ad. Send a one-page letter naming the project, a CV, diplomas and transcripts, and a publication list if you have one.
See all our PhD positions, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: University of Copenhagen (Niels Bohr Institute)
Official advertisement: employment.ku.dk
How to prepare for this application
- Write a one-page letter that names the project and links your lab skills to atomic magnetometry
- Revise optical pumping, spin noise, squeezed light and quantum back-action; know the standard quantum limit
- List hands-on skills clearly: lasers, vapour cells, RF electronics, lock-in detection, LabVIEW or Python control
- Ask your university for an English transcript early; the ad needs original diplomas with authorised translations
- Read a few recent QUANTOP papers so you can discuss their magnetometry results
About the Niels Bohr Institute
The Niels Bohr Institute is the physics department of the University of Copenhagen, in its Faculty of Science. Its QUANTOP centre, with about 20 researchers and students, studies quantum effects at the interface between light and matter. The university belongs to the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU).
