The Quantum Hub at University of Southern Denmark is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a two-year post to conduct research on abstractions for quantum software. As quantum computing advances towards large-scale fault-tolerant devices, robust hardware-independent software abstractions are becoming increasingly important for bridging the gap between quantum algorithms and physical implementations, and for making quantum computing accessible to software developers. We welcome applicants strongly motivated to contribute to this growing field with expertise in one or more of the following areas:
* Quantum algorithms
* Quantum circuit synthesis and optimisation
* Gaussian boson sampling
* Topological quantum computing
* Quantum error correction
* Fault-tolerant quantum computing
* Quantum programming languages and programming abstractions, including LLM-assisted quantum programming
* Quantum intermediate representations
* Quantum compilation, including AI/ML-assisted compilation techniques
* Quantum software engineering
* Quantum software design and testing
* Developer tools and usability in quantum software
The targeted starting date of the position is 1 January, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Note: We are not permitted to directly contact your academic references, so please ensure their letters have reached us by the deadline. The application requirements are detailed at the end of this advertisement.
Requirements
The candidate must have a PhD degree in mathematics, physics or computer science.
Situation of the position
The position at the SDU Quantum Hub, will be situated at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Science on the international campus in Odense, Denmark. SDU Quantum Hub is established with the ambition to create a highly international and interdisciplinary group within a broad spectrum of quantum research. Odense is a fast-growing international community with an open Scandinavian culture, affordable housing and living costs.
Assessment
Shortlisting may be used. Shortlisted applicants will be assessed by an assessment committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the faculty. As part of the overall assessment, the applicant may be called for interview.
Conditions of employment
The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.
Information of salary rates can be found at: https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/job-sdu/international-staff
For non-Danish candidates there is an optional researcher taxation scheme (see the link above).
Application, salary etc.
Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements.
As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process. SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary.
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.
Attached files must be in Adobe pdf format. 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.
The application including the required attachments must be in English.
Application deadline is 15 November 2026.
The applications must include:
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae including a list of publications
• Certificates/Diplomas (MSc and PhD) - Danish or English
• Research Statement
• 2-3 letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation can be submitted directly to qm@sdu.dk mentioning your name and the title of the position in the subject line. Please note that these need to reach us before the deadline.
Contact information
Further information is available from Associate Professor Robin Kaarsgaard Sales or the Secretariat at Centre for Quantum Mathematics (qm@sdu.dk).
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.
Further information about The Faculty of Natural Sciences - Please see the links in the URL provided.
About SDU
The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.
