PhD Scholarships in Quantum Physics: Quantum Opto-Acoustics, Optomechanics, Microscopy and Computing - DTU Physics

Can a massive crystal be placed in a quantum superposition? Can squeezed light control the motion of a membrane? Can we see structures that conventional microscopes miss – and make fault-tolerant photonic quantum computing possible with today’s imperfect quantum states?

At DTU Physics, we are recruiting four PhD students to explore these challenges through three experimental projects and one theory-and-software project. The positions are based in the Section for Quantum Physics and Information Technology (QPIT) and bigQ – Center for Macroscopic Quantum States. You will join an international research environment combining advanced quantum-optical laboratories, quantum information theory and large-scale computational research.

The PhD projects

Each position addresses a different frontier in quantum science. You may apply for one or several projects; please indicate your preferences and explain how your background matches the chosen research direction(s).

Quantum Control of Macroscopic Mechanical Motion (Quantum Opto-Acoustics): How far can quantum mechanics be pushed toward the macroscopic world? Our experiment uses cavity-enhanced Brillouin interactions to control a 12 GHz acoustic mode in a millimeter-sized quartz crystal with an effective mass of 170 micrograms, already cooled extremely close to its quantum ground state. You will develop quantum-control and optical readout techniques to create non-classical mechanical states, including single-phonon excitations and Schrödinger-cat superpositions. You will also explore optical–acoustic entanglement and quantum memories, aiming to turn a massive crystal into a resource for quantum information and fundamental tests of quantum physics.

Quantum-Enhanced Optomechanics with Ultracoherent Membranes: Can we transfer the quantum properties of light to a vibrating membrane? This project builds on our density-phononic-crystal membrane in a high-finesse optical cavity, combining a mechanical quality factor above 100 million with exceptionally strong optomechanical interactions at room temperature. You will develop quantum-limited measurements, suppress technical noise, and implement optical cooling and feedback to approach the mechanical ground state. A central ambition is to interface the membrane with squeezed light, enabling mechanical squeezing, light–mechanics entanglement, and ultimately coherent quantum-state transfer.

Quantum-Enhanced Microscopy through Spatial-Mode Engineering: Can we distinguish microscopic objects that conventional microscopes cannot resolve? This project explores spatial-mode demultiplexing (SPADE), a technique for extracting spatial information inaccessible to conventional intensity imaging. You will develop advanced optical measurements to improve nanoparticle detection and localization using Rayleigh scattering microscopy, and extend these methods to chemically selective Raman microscopy. By combining spatial-mode engineering, quantum estimation theory, and squeezed light, you will pursue improved imaging sensitivity and resolution, with applications in nanoscale sensing, chemical analysis, and biomedical diagnostics.

Fault-Tolerant Continuous-Variable Quantum Computing with GKP States: How much squeezing does a practical fault-tolerant optical quantum computer really need? This theory-and-software project aims to develop architectures for continuous-variable quantum computing based on Gottesman–Kitaev–Preskill (GKP) states, targeting reliable computation below established squeezing thresholds. You will investigate improved GKP decoding, dual-level quantum error correction, optimized logical codes, and simplified measurement-based circuits. Using large-scale simulations and Danish high-performance computing infrastructure, you will develop open benchmarking software and evaluate realistic noise models and logical workloads, establishing a practical roadmap toward scalable photonic quantum computing.

Responsibilities and qualifications

You will take ownership of a clearly defined research challenge while working closely with experienced researchers and technical staff. The experimental projects emphasize building and controlling quantum-optical setups; the computing project emphasizes theory, simulation, decoder development and reproducible software. Depending on your project, your responsibilities will include:

Developing and optimizing optical cavities, precision measurements and low-noise control systems, or designing quantum algorithms, codes and simulation software.

Formulating theoretical models and testing them through carefully designed experiments or realistic, large-scale numerical simulations.

Quantifying noise, errors and performance limits; analysing results and developing robust data-analysis or benchmarking tools.

Publishing scientific results, presenting at international conferences and collaborating with students, researchers, engineers and international partners.

We seek curious and motivated candidates with backgrounds in physics, quantum optics, photonics, optomechanics, mathematics, computer science, quantum information or related fields. For the experimental tracks, hands-on optical-laboratory skills, electronics and experimental programming are valuable. For the GKP computing track, strong analytical skills and experience with numerical simulation, quantum error correction or scientific software development are especially relevant. Across all four projects, we value creativity, rigorous thinking, initiative, persistence and constructive teamwork.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points), or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree.

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 position is a full-time position. The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.

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 L. Andersen (ulrik.andersen@fysik.dtu.dk).

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 23 November 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

In the field “Please indicate which position(s) you would like to apply for”, please indicate which project you are applying for (title from the above list of PhD projects or individual research projects).

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 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.