PhD Stipend/Integrated Stipend in representation, compression, learning, and inference for classical and quantum data.

At the Technical Faculty of IT and Design, Department of Computer Science, one or more PhD stipends/Integrated PhD stipends in representation, compression, learning, and inference for classical and quantum data are available within the general study programme in Computer Science. 
The stipends are open for appointment from August 1, 2026, or soon as possible thereafter.

The stipends are available for 3 or 4 years depending on whether the applicant already holds a master’s degree. Applicants who hold a master’s degree can apply for a 3-year position, and applicants who have finished 4 years of full-time studies but do not hold a Master’s degree can apply for a 4 years integrated PhD stipend. The Integrated PhD stipends are only open for appointment with starting date 1 September 2026. 

Who we are

In Computer Science, Aalborg University has more than 170 scientific staff, including the 2 most cited Danish computer  scientists, 20 administrative staff, and 1,100 students, You can read more on www.cs.aau.dk, and you can read more about the TECH faculty here.
 
The research in the Data Engineering, Science and Systems (DESS) research group focuses on data-intensive systems, spatio-temporal data management, data analytics, and applications of machine learning, with applications in digital energy and intelligent transport. International evaluations place DESS in the global top tier. For example, csrankings.org lists DESS as no. 2 in Europe and no. 11 in the world within Databases for the period 2021-2025. More information about DESS can be found at: https://www.cs.aau.dk/research/Data-Engineering-Science-and-Systems.

The Center for Classical Communication in the Quantum Era (CLASSIQUE) is a pioneering research initiative at Aalborg University, Denmark, and is headed by Prof. Petar Popovski. The center aims to revolutionize communication systems for the quantum age. As quantum technologies rapidly advance, CLASSIQUE focuses on a critical challenge: how to evolve classical communication networks to support both traditional data and the unique requirements of quantum information systems (https://www.classique.aau.dk). CLASSIQUE will address a suite of fresh research challenges defined by the intersection of digital applications that have real-time requirements and quantum resources that are time-constrained due to the decoherence and volatility. CLASSIQUE is organized into four research thrusts that rely upon interdisciplinary competences in: communication theory, networking, information theory, physics, mathematics, computer science, and statistics

The objective of this PhD project is to develop machine learning algorithms that perform efficiently and coherently across both classical and quantum computing platforms. The PhD project falls under the collaboration between Research Thrust RT3 on representation, compression, learning, and inference, and Research Thrust RT4 on Reliability and trustworthiness.

Key challenges include the high cost of representing large datasets in a form suitable for quantum computing, calling for a cost-benefit analysis of quantum machine learning algorithms. 
To address scalability for large datasets, lossy data compression is often implemented prior to training. However, despite its computational benefits, it may compromise the accuracy of the data and consequently degrade the machine learning performance. Hence, a trade-off between scalability and performance needs to be found. 

Qualification requirements

Prospective applicants to this PhD proposal should have the following qualifications:
-    M.Sc. degree in computer science, mathematical engineering, mathematics, or similar;
-    Solid mathematical and analytical skills, including mathematical optimization and information theory;
-    Solid knowledge and skills in machine learning 
-    Significant experience in programming, e.g., in C++, Python or Matlab. Experience with quantum simulators, such as NetSquid, is a plus;
-    Familiarity with the basic concepts of quantum information  and quantum computing, and lossy compression; 
-    Curiosity to research and develop new solutions in collaboration with senior and junior researchers within the research group and the Center CLASSIQUE; 
-    Readiness to collaborate with the researchers from other disciplines within the Center CLASSIQUE.
Applicants are required to submit, along with their application documents, a one-page statement, indicating their vision for research to be conducted in relation to the project topics outlined above.

Description of position, project, tasks and requirements

The successful candidate will be hosted by the Section for DATA at the Department of Computer Science as part of the CLASSIQUE center. 
A dedicated supervisory team led by Professor Torben Bach Pedersen, Associate Professor Christophe Biscio, and Professor Jan Østergaard and composed of experts from the departments of electronic systems, computer science, and mathematics will be assembled to support the interdisciplinarity of the PhD project. The CLASSIQUE Center provides a world-class research environment, outstanding working and networking opportunities, and full employment benefits, including a competitive salary.

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years.

Integrated PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who has not yet completed a Master’s degree and who wish to begin the PhD study in connection with the Master study. Thus a prerequisite for acceptance is that the candidate is enrolled in a relevant Master’s programme. The stipend consists of two parts, A and B. During part A you are enrolled simultaneous in the Master’s programme and in the PhD programme. The stipend consists of two SU-PhD Grants per month (SU=The Danish students’ Grants and Loans Scheme). One SU-PhD grant equals DKK 7.426 kr. (2026 level). SU-PhD Grants are paid for a maximum of two years. When the Master’s degree has been obtained, you will be employed for two years as a PhD fellow according to the present collective agreement. Part B has a maximum duration of two years.

It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

How to apply
Your application must include the following:
• Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (bachelor and master's degree diploma)
• Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website. Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

You may obtain further information from Torben Bach Pedersen, Department of Computer Science, Christophe Biscio, Department of Mathematical sciences,  and Professor Jan Østergaard, Department  concerning the scientific aspects of the stipend.

Further information  
Read more about our recruitment process here.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace. 

For more information of The Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design: www.phd.tech.aau.dk

The application is only to be submitted online by using the "Apply online" button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of November 10, 2015 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the Ministry of Finance current circular on the employment structure at Danish Universities.

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish).

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish) 

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.