Full professor in quantum algorithms and quantum software

The position

The Centre for Quantum Mathematics (QM) at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), seeks outstanding candidates to fill a number of professor positions in quantum algorithms and quantum software.

The targeted starting date of the position is 01.08.2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

About the Centre for Quantum Mathematics (QM)

Over the past seven years, QM has built a highly international and interdisciplinary research environment spanning a broad spectrum of pure mathematics, mathematical physics and quantum computer science. The Centre has attracted leading international researchers to Odense and developed a unique research environment spanning both fundamental and applied research.

The University of Southern Denmark has recently invested DKK 50 million in the Centre for Quantum Mathematics, on top of its continuous substantial basic funding of the centre, which will enable the Centre to further expand its scientific capacity, attract and retain leading international researchers, increase the acquisition of competitive external research funding and establish strategic collaborations with industry, public authorities and international partners.

As part of this continued development and expansion, QM will move into a new dedicated building from next year. The new building will be located on the SDU campus in Odense and will provide a dedicated research environment for the Centre and its growing international research community.

Research activities and funding

The QM centre is located at the Faculty of Science on the international campus in Odense, Denmark and it is hosting several large European, Danish and American grants including “New Structures in Low-Dimensional Topology” (Simons Collaboration) & “Topological Photonic Quantum Computing and its Applications” (Innovation Fund Denmark) both led by PI and Centre Director Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen; “Mathematics of the open topological string” (VILLUM Investigator) led by Professor Vivek Shende; “The Quantum Geometry of Dynamical Systems” (VILLUM Ascending Investigator) and “The Emergent Geometry of Categories” (DFF Sapere Aude) both led by Associate Professor Fabian Haiden; “New invariants in low-dimensional topology via quantum field theory” (VILLUM Young Investigator) led by Associate Professor Du Pei, “Global Categorical Symmetries and Phases of Quantum Matter” (VILLUM Young Investigator) led by Assistant Professor Apoorv Tiwari, “From Pertubative to Non-pertubative Quantum Field Theory by cutting and gluing” (DFF Sapere Aude) led by Assistant Professor Konstantin Wernli and finally “Leveraging Algebraic Geometry for High-Precision Fundamental Physics“ (DFF Sapere Aude) led by Associate Professor Matthias Wilhelm.

Job description

A successful candidate will drive internationally competitive research, collaborate with the world community in the field, and attract competitive external research funding. The candidates are expected to contribute significantly to QM’s excellent research and teaching environment and to provide outstanding education.

The candidates will get the opportunity to shape this development together with the team and implement research project ideas with national and international impact.

Topics of interest: Quantum algorithms, Quantum software engineering, Topological quantum computing, Gaussian boson sampling, Quantum error correction, Fault-tolerant quantum computing, , Quantum software design and testing, Developer tools and usability in quantum software.

We offer

Our new colleague will become part of an inspiring international research environment with excellent facilities and strong collaborations across a broad international network of researchers, research organizations, quantum technology companies as well as end-user companies, and other relevant stakeholders.

The position offers an opportunity to take a leading role in developing and strengthening research in quantum algorithms and quantum software at the Centre for Quantum Mathematics. We seek to advance the theoretical, mathematical, and computational foundations of quantum computing and to strengthen the connections between fundamental research, algorithm development, and emerging quantum technologies.

As Full Professor, you will have significant scope to shape the strategic development of this research area, establish and lead ambitious research activities, attract external research funding, and develop new national and international collaborations.

The position provides excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across mathematics, computer science, physics, and quantum technology, as well as for collaboration with external academic and industrial partners. The Full Professor will also contribute to the development and mentoring of early-career researchers and to strengthening the Centre’s international research environment.

The position furthermore offers an opportunity to play a leading role in shaping our educational activities in quantum computing, including the continued development of our Master’s degree programme in Quantum Computing, and to ensure a strong connection between cutting-edge research and research-based education.

We expect

The candidates must have a PhD degree in pure or applied mathematics, computer science or theoretical physics and a strong research record.

The candidates must further have a strong research track in the field and evidence of excellent teaching at all levels (e.g. teaching evaluations). We are seeking highly motivated candidates, who work and communicate well in an international team. The candidates must be able to carry out independent and rigorous work at top international level.

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Danish is not a prerequisite for application. The hired candidate will be offered Danish courses by the university.

Living and working in Odense

Odense is a fast-growing international community with an open Scandinavian culture, affordable housing and living costs.

Conditions of employment The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. For non-Danish candidates there is an optional researcher taxation scheme. Information of salary rates can be found at: https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/job-sdu/international-staff

Assessment Shortlisting may be used. Shortlisted applicants will be assessed by an assessment committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the Faculty of Science. As part of the overall assessment, the applicant may be called for interview.

Application Your application including the required attachments must be uploaded through the link “Apply Online”. The Faculty expects applicants to read the SDU guidelines for applicants.

Attached files must be in Adobe pdf format. All pdf-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected. In case you have more than one file per field you need to combine the pdf-files into a single file, as each field handles only one file. Each box can only contain a single file of max. 10 Mb.

The application including the required attachments must be in English.

Application deadline is 1 March 2027

The applications must include:

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae

• Certificates/Diplomas (MSc and PhD) - Danish or English

• Research Statement

• Teaching Portfolio

• List of publications

Contact information Further information is available from the Head of the Centre, Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen (qm@sdu.dk).

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

For international applicants about entering and working in Denmark: https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/job-sdu/international-staff

About The Faculty of Natural Sciences: https://www.sdu.dk/en/nat