项目介绍

2026年6月18日

PhD Research Fellow in quantum physics and optimisation 

There is a vacancy for a PhD Research Fellow in quantum physics and optimisation at the Department of Physics and Technology. The position is for a fixed-term period of 3 years. The position is subject to external financing through the RCN funded project “Quantum Oscillator Networks for Optimisation and Machine Learning” (project number 358752).

About the project/work tasks:

The Department of Physics and Technology at the University of Bergen features a vibrant research environment with several groups, among them those focused on theoretical and experimental particle physics, quantum physics, nanophysics, and quantum technology. The department is hosting a new integrated master’s program in quantum technology starting in Autumn 2026. A newly established center “Quantum UiB”, funded by the Trond Mohn Foundation and the University of Bergen, will serve as a hub for excellence in quantum research and foster new collaboration.

The Quantum Oscillator Networks for Optimisation and Machine Learning (QONOMics) project sits at the heart of this expansion. The project focuses on the physics of networks consisting of coupled harmonic and Kerr-nonlinear oscillators. By studying these systems in both classical and quantum regimes, we aim to develop new methods for solving complex optimization problems and advancing machine learning architectures. The research involves investigating how the natural dynamics of these physical systems—such as bifurcations and phase transitions—can be harnessed for efficient computation and information processing.

The successful candidates will contribute to the theoretical development, numerical simulation, and potential hardware-mapping of these oscillator-based systems, exploring concepts like quantum annealing, symmetry breaking, and reservoir computing.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

• Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent education in theoretical physics, quantum physics, or a closely related field. Candidates with a background in computer science can be eligible if they possess significant, demonstrable experience with optimization using physics-inspired algorithms or quantum computing frameworks. The applicant must have submitted his/her master’s thesis for assessment prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the master’s degree has been awarded.
• Hands-on experience with numerical simulations (e.g., Python, Julia, or C++) is required.
• A strong foundation in quantum mechanics and statistical physics is required. 
• Experience with optimisation problems and/or complex systems is an advantage.
• Experience with, and a keen interest in, the intersection of physics and computation is an advantage.
• Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner and demonstrate good collaborative skills.
• Applicants must have good written and oral English skills.

Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Research experience, ambitions and potential will also count when evaluating the candidates.

Special requirements for the position 

The University of Bergen is subjected to the regulation for export control system. The regulation will be applied in the processing of the applications. 

About the PhD position (applies to university PhD positions):

About the PhD Research Fellow position

The fellowship will be for a period of 3 years, with the possibility for a 4th year contingent on the qualifications of the candidate and the teaching needs of the department and will be decided by the Head of department upon appointment. If a 4th year is granted, one year of career-promoting work associated with teaching, dissemination or research infrastructure/services, will be distributed over the full employment period and thus corresponding to 25 per cent of the time each year.

The employment period may be reduced if you have previously been employed in a qualifying post (e.g. research fellow, research assistant).

About the research training

As a PhD Research Fellow, you must participate in an approved educational programme for a PhD degree within a period of 3 years. The deadline for applying for admission to the PhD programme at The Faculty of Science and Technology is 2 months after you start your position or after the start of the research project that will lead to the PhD degree. It is a condition that you satisfy the enrolment requirements for the PhD programme at the University of Bergen.

We can offer:

• A good and professionally stimulating working environment. 
• Salary as PhD research fellow (code 1017) in the state salary scale. This constitutes a gross annual salary of NOK 593 700. Further increases in salary are made according to length of service in the position.
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Good welfare benefits

Your application must include:

• A brief account of the applicant’s research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
• A detailed justification of your qualifications in relation to the listed requirements, explaining how you meet each criterion. Additionally, you should address the “advantages” mentioned above, as these will be taken into account when ranking the candidates.  
• The names and contact information for two referees. One of these should be the main advisor for the master’s thesis or equivalent thesis. 
• CV
• Transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. If you have not yet completed your master’s degree, please submit a statement from your institution confirming that the master’s thesis has been submitted. 
• Relevant certificates/references
• Approved documentation of proficiency in English (if required, cf. English language requirements for PhD admission).
• A list of any works of a scientific nature (publication list with links).

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge.