PhD fellowship in Quantum Optics
The Quantum Optics Section and Center for Biomedical Quantum Sensing invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in experimental investigations of magnetic induction tomography using atomic spin ensembles.
Start date is (expected to be) 1 July 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The project
Measurements of response of biological tissue to external electro-magnetic fields is a valuable diagnostic tool. Existing methods mostly rely on sensors working at cryogenic temperatures. The project will center around a novel method of detection of magnetic fields developed at our laboratory which delivers high sensitivity using a room temperature sensor.The method called quantum magnetic induction tomography (QMINT) utilizes an atomic spin ensemble as the sensor of magnetic perturbations. The goal of the project will be to develop and test a setup involving inductive remote coupling of the set of quantum sensors to the object of studies.
Future perspectives include improved sensitivity using entangled states of light and spins for sensing beyond standard quantum limits.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates with solid background in theory and experience in the field of experimental optics. Experience with optical and radio-frequency measurement techniques and computer modelling, as well as with signal and noise analysis is a plus.
Our group and research- and what do we offer?
The Center for Biomedical Quantum Sensing (https://cbqs.ku.dk/) is focused on biomedical applications of quantum physics, establishing a new paradigm of quantum-enabled medicine. The primary goal of the Center is to develop and use novel quantum sensing principles and techniques for biomedical diagnostics that can operate near and beyond standard quantum limits of sensitivity, providing ultra-sensitive platforms for early detection of disease and facilitating profound investigations into molecular systems at an unprecedented scale and precision.
Towards this goal we will have to break interdisciplinary boundaries and work across disciplines developing collaborations between medical experts and quantum physicists. The PhD candidate will work at the CBQS node located at the QUANTOP laboratories at the Niels Bohr Institute.
Our international group consists of about twenty enthusiastic and skillful researchers, Phd and Master students from many countries. We are proud to nurture friendly and creative atmosphere sharing both scientific and social activities. We also maintain close connections with the other two laboratories of CBQS, one at the Danish Technical University and another at the University of Texas in Austin.CBQS and QUANTOP are integral parts of the Niels Bohr Institute which is the name of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. We are located in the central Copenhagen with its vibrant social and cultural life.
Principal supervisor is Prof. Polzik, polzik@nbi.ku.dk
Getting into a position on the regular PhD programme
Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) in physics. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.
Terms of employment in the regular programmeThe average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.
The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 3 years. The start date is 1 July 2025.
The employment is conditioned upon the applicant’s successful enrolment as a PhD student at the Graduate School at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.
The PhD study must be completed in accordance with The Ministerial Order on the PhD programme (2013) and the Faculty’s rules on achieving the degree.
Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Depending on seniority, the monthly salary starts at approximately 30,840 DKK/Roughly 4,100 EUR (April 2025 level) plus pension.
Responsibilities and tasks- Complete and pass the MSc education in accordance with the curriculum of the MSc programme
- Carry through an independent research project under supervision
- Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
- Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
- Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
- Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
- Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project
We are looking for the following qualifications:
- Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
- Relevant publications
- Relevant work experience
- Other relevant professional activities
- Curious mind-set with a strong interest in physics
- Good English language skills
Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. The application must include the following documents in PDF format:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
- CV incl. education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- Certified copy of original Master of Science diploma and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in other language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted. As a prerequisite for a PhD fellowship employment, your master’s degree must be equivalent to a Danish master’s degree. We encourage you to read more in the assessment database: https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-and-transparency/find-assessments/assessment-database. Please note that we might ask you to obtain an assessment of your education performed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science
- Publication list (if possible)
Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is April 15, 2025, 23:59 GMT +2.
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.
The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models.The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
QuestionsFor specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.
General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.
Please note in your application that you found the job at Jobindex