About the opportunity
Funded by the Danish e-Infrastructure Cooperation – DeiC National Quantum Algorithm Academy, DTU Chemistry has an opening for a three-year PhD position in the group of Professor Sonia Coriani. The project involves developing quantum algorithms tailored to noisy-intermediate scale (NISQ) and early-fault-tolerant (EFTQC) devices for computing core-level spectra. It combines insights from quantum linear response theory, Krylov subspace methods, quantum phase estimation variants, and time-domain correlation function techniques. The project is carried out in collaboration with the University of Southampton, University of Copenhagen, and University of Southern Denmark, with an expected secondment at the University of Southampton, UK.
Salary and benefits
- Three-year full-time PhD scholarship position
- Salary and appointment terms based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations, with an allowance agreed upon with the relevant union
- Opportunity to work in an international research environment at a leading technical university
Who can apply?
- Must hold a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree
- Degree must be in Chemistry (preferably with a focus on theoretical and computational chemistry), Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Quantum Information Science
- Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree but cannot begin before having received it
- Highly motivated, able to work independently, confident in written and spoken English, and ambitious
Required documents
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
- List of publications (if any), including the master and bachelor theses
- List of up to three scientists with whom you have closely worked in your past research for references
When to apply
- Application deadline is 13 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time)
- The position is available and must start at latest 1 December 2026
How to apply
- Prepare all required application materials in English compiled into one single PDF file
- Open the 'Apply now' link on the official job page
- Fill out the online application form
- Attach the complete PDF file containing all materials and submit no later than 13 September 2026
Additional information
- The PhD student is expected to spend their secondment at the University of Southampton, UK, with Dr. K.M. Ziems
- Teaching-related activities at the Department of Chemistry include (co)supervision of BSc and MSc student projects
- Open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates due to research in critical technology subject to special rules for security and export control
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- You hold or are near completion of a master's degree in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Quantum Information Science.
- You are highly motivated to develop quantum algorithms for NISQ and early-fault-tolerant devices.
- You have a strong interest in computational X-ray spectroscopy and quantum linear response theory.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position requires an on-site presence in Denmark and includes a mandatory secondment at the University of Southampton, UK.
- You must be prepared to engage in teaching-related activities and supervision of student projects.
- The role involves research in critical technology, which may be subject to security and export control background checks.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This three-year PhD scholarship provides a comprehensive foundation in quantum computing applications for chemistry. It is a perfect fit for a student aiming to build a career at the intersection of quantum information science and theoretical chemistry, while benefiting from international collaboration and networking.
Our take
Ambitious students with a solid computational background who are eager to bridge quantum algorithms and spectroscopy should apply. Candidates who prefer purely experimental work or are unable to commit to the international secondment may find this less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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