The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (IMADA) at the University of Southern Denmark, Odense, invites applications for a PhD position in quantum programming languages. The position has a duration of 3 years. Due to the highly interdisciplinary nature of the position, the hired candidate will be part of both the section of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Programming Languages (ACP), the section on Topology, Algebra, Analysis and Geometry (TAAG) and the Centre for Quantum Mathematics (QM).
The proposed starting time is Winter 2026, with some room for flexibility. The appointment will be made at a competitive salary and will follow the PhD study programme at the Faculty of Science.
This position is embedded in the Sapere Aude: DFF-Research Leader project “FunQ: Quantum Programming Beyond the Circuit Model” led by Assoc. Prof. Robin Kaarsgaard. The project aims at introducing new abstractions, models, and programming languages that radically change how we can reason about and develop quantum programs. The project will establish a collaborative team to investigate both the mathematical foundations of quantum programming languages, as well as their realisation in a novel high-level quantum programming language. The successful candidate will work directly with the project’s principal investigator, Assoc. Prof. Robin Kaarsgaard, an internationally recognised expert in the areas of quantum programming languages and categorical quantum theory.
The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science is an inclusive and international working environment with state-of-the-art facilities and strong traditions for collaboration across sections, departments and faculties, and with other educational institutions, municipalities, and industries. The degrees offered by the department include BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees in computer science and mathematics, a BSc in artificial intelligence, an MSc degree in data science, and an MSc in quantum computing.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for highly motivated candidates interested in (models of) quantum computing and the theory and implementation of programming languages. The ideal candidate has an MSc degree in computer science, mathematics, physics, or a more specialised degree in quantum computing or quantum information science, and demonstrated experience in at least one of the following areas:
Theory of programming languages.
Compilers and programming language implementation.
Categorical quantum theory or other formal models of quantum computing (e.g., ZX-calculus).
Quantum computing in general.
Fluency in English is required.
For further information, please visit https://fa-eosd-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/da/sites/CX_1001/job/3266/?utm_medium=jobshare