Position Description

Centre for Quantum Mathematics (QM) at Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (IMADA), University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applications for several 3-year PhD positions in quantum algorithms. The targeted starting date is 1 September 2025,or as soon as possible thereafter.

Project description
This project will explore the algorithms, advantages, and applications of quantum computing with the aim of making it a practical computational tool in the near term. The project will focus on Gaussian Boson Sampling (GBS), which is a specialized photonic quantum computing model with demonstrated experimental realizations and proven theoretical advantages. The project may involve several aspects, including mathematical theory, algorithm development, error correction, adaptation of GBS-based algorithms to other quantum computing platforms, and the development of practical use cases with real-world relevance. We seek candidates with a strong interest in working on these aspects or a subset thereof.

The project will be jointly supervised by Professor Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen and Associate Professor Shan Shan at QM. 

Candidate Profile 

• Required
  • Candidates should have a strong foundation in mathematics. A MSc degree in mathematics or a related field with strong mathematical content must be obtained before the starting time.
     
• Other desirable skills (but not required):
  • Background in quantum computing, particularly GBS, continuous-variable QC
  • Experience with numerical simulation, statistical estimation, or probabilistic modeling.
  • Programming proficiency (Python, Matlab or C++), especially for numerical experiments.
  • Interest in connecting theory to experimental or real-world applications.
  • Ability to work independently and communicate well in an international team.

Research environment
The PhD project will be carried out within the Centre for Quantum Mathematics (QM). QM is located at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Natural Sciences on the international campus of University of Southern Denmark in Odense, Denmark. QM is established with the ambition to create a highly international and interdisciplinary group within a broad spectrum of mathematics with relations to quantum theory, covering both foundations as well as various applications such as quantum computing and quantum software. Odense is a fast-growing international community with affordable housing and living costs. For more information on the QM centre, please visit https://www.sdu.dk/en/qm.

Application deadline: 1 August 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time.
Contact information - Questions should be directed to (qm@sdu.dk).

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.
Further information about The Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period.(the 5+3 programme).

Further information about the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science can be found at the homepage of the University.

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

Application checklist - Application must be in English and made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Transcripts from your bachelor’s and master’s degrees
• Master's thesis or a draft of it if you have not completed your degree.
• 2-3 letters of recommendation: Letters of recommendation should be submitted directly to qm@sdu.dk mentioning your name and the title of the position in the subject line. Please note we are not permitted to directly contact your academic references under any circumstances, so please ensure their letters have reached us by the deadline.  

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university. As part of the overall assessment, the applicant may be called for interview.

Applications should be sent electronically via the link "Apply now". The faculty expects applicants to read the information "How to apply for a position at SDU" before applying. Please note that the application documents should be in pdf-format and attached as three documents: motivation letter, CV and the remaining documents. 
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.

We recommend that as an international applicant you take the time to visit Work in Denmark where you will find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as the International Staff Office at SDU.

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.