Are you intrigued by quantum physics and excited about the novel opportunities emerging from quantum technologies? Do you want to explore how quantum optics and quantum information science can shed light on one of the most profound open questions in modern physics: the interface between quantum mechanics and gravity?

At the Section for Quantum Physics and Information Technology (QPIT), we are seeking an excellent and highly motivated PhD candidate to work on exploring connections between quantum mechanics and gravity, in particular on theoretical development of potential low-energy (table-top) tests probing such connections with techniques from quantum optics and quantum information science.

At QPIT you will be part of bigQ - Center for Macroscopic Quantum States - a Danish national Center of Excellence in quantum information science and technology. The purpose of the center is to explore quantum physics in new macroscopic regimes, deepening our understanding of quantum physics, and speeding up the development of emerging quantum technologies. While our main focus is curiosity-driven research, we also support innovation, interdisciplinary collaborations and industry partnerships. The center offers a stimulating and diverse working environment, comprising around 60 people (with about 23 nationalities) including faculty members, PhD students, postdocs, engineers and administrators.

Responsibilities and qualifications
We are looking for exceptional physicists with extraordinary talents and outstanding drive. In particular, we are looking for academic excellence and/or demonstrated scientific achievements. We also expect you to have a strong ability to conceive new ideas, take initiative and take ownership of your projects. Essential is your internal drive to achieve significant and ground-breaking results.

We expect you to be motivated and dedicated to doing research of the highest standards. You should enjoy working in a team, be excited about sharing your expertise with other group members, and remain open to new ideas. We value scientific curiosity and creativity, and we expect you to share these values. It is important that you are open and honest and conduct research responsibly. You should be excited about large challenges and enjoy solving them, have an extraordinary drive towards achieving groundbreaking results, and love physics discussions as well as participating in thoughtful conversations.

You must have (or complete before starting) a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS), or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree, in physics, applied mathematics or related fields and have excellent analytical skills. We are looking for experience in topics relevant to the project:

• quantum mechanics
• quantum information
• quantum optics
• quantum field theory
• general relativity

Documented project experience (e.g. from the MSc thesis) in any of these topics, theoretical or experimental, is an advantage, as is experience with combinations of multiple of the topics.

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education .

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 1 March 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Ulrik Lund Andersen (ulrik.andersen@fysik.dtu.dk) or Associate Professor Jonatan Bohr Brask (jobb@dtu.dk).

You can read more about the Department of Physics at https://physics.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 procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 13 February 2026 (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 now", 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)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, 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.

At DTU Physics , we carry out cutting-edge research in modern physics, with particular focus on four main areas: quantum technology, sustainable energy, materials, and biophysics. Our focus is both to acquire greater knowledge about basic scientific problems and to conduct research oriented towards use in societies and companies.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, 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 mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.