We are searching for a highly motivated and driven candidate for a 3-year PhD position to investigate integrated photonics-based architectures for quantum information processing. You will be working in the Quantum and Laser Photonics Group at DTU Electro , which belongs to the Quantum and Nanophotonics Section . The research in our section focuses on leveraging fundamental light-matter interactions for applications in sensing, optical communications, and quantum technologies. The scientific environment at our department is vibrant and highly collaborative with world-class scientists covering a broad range of expertise in photonics and electronics. 

The Project in Short
The project focuses on developing numerical modeling and optimization tools to explore the information processing power of a novel photonic integrated circuit architecture [Heuck2023]. This includes studying the effects of optical loss and decoherence and methods to overcome these by error detection and correction. We focus on circuits containing elements that exhibit optical nonlinearities originating from atom-like N -level systems or bulk nonlinearities.

Responsibilities 
Your primary responsibilities will include developing efficient code in Python and Julia to perform numerical optimization of control fields that govern the evolution of the photonic quantum information processor. This includes adaptation of code to utilize GPU-acceleration on DTU’s high-performance computing cluster or other HPC systems. You will also analyze realistic physical implementations of the architectures you explore, with a special focus on the possibilities offered by dynamically controlled cavities and extreme light confinement. You will have the opportunity to co-supervise BSc and MSc students. The project is funded by the DNRF Center NanoPhoton – Center for Nanophotonics, and we expect you to actively engage with other researchers in the center and share your expertise.

Required qualifications:

• Experience with open quantum systems and quantum networking theory.
• Experience with numerical modeling of open photonic quantum systems.
• Experience with scientific computing using Python and/or Julia.

Desired qualifications:

• Theoretical understanding of photonic integrated circuits.

Additionally, we expect that you:

• are academically curious and think deeply and creatively.
• have a strong internal drive and take responsibility for the progress and quality of your projects.
• enjoy working in a team, and you are excited about exchanging expertise with other group members from diverse backgrounds.
• communicate well in both written and spoken English.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a MSc degree (or equivalent).

Assessment
Candidates will be assessed by Senior Researcher/Associate Professor Mikkel Heuck and Professor Jesper Mørk.

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 appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is 3 years. The starting date is according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here  and the Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Dr. Mikkel Heuck, mheu@dtu.dk .

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
Please submit your online application no later than 9 July 2025 (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 online", 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).
• CV.
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diplomas (in English) including official description of the grading scale.
• A writing sample, e.g., MSc thesis chapter, first-authored publication, or similar demonstrating your work and your dissemination of it.

Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates, irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, 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 Electro has more than 300 employees with competencies in electrical and photonics engineering. Research is performed within nanophotonics, lasers, quantum photonics, optical sensors, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, bio-photonics, acoustics, power electronics, robotics, and autonomous systems.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programs, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 11,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. Our main campus is in Lyngby north of Copenhagen, and we have campuses in Roskilde and Ballerup.

References
[Heuck2023] Heuck, M., Englund, D. R. & Jacobs, K. Efficient, high-speed two-photon logic gates at room temperature for general-purpose quantum information processing . US Patent, 11556046 (2023).