项目介绍

2026年6月18日

Postdoctoral Research Fellow position within quantum physics and optimisation

At the Department of Physics and Technology, there is a vacancy for a postdoctoral research fellow position within quantum physics and optimisation. The position is for a fixed term of 3 years and is associated with the QONOMICs project, RCN Researcher Project for Scientific Renewal (Thematic Call).

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 degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree (PhD) within theoretical physics, quantum physics or a related discipline. Candidates with a background in computer science can also 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 doctoral thesis for assessment prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the PhD has been awarded. 
• Hands-on experience and expertise with quantum technologies and quantum optimization is a requirement.
• Specific experience or competence in quantum optimization, in particular with simulated bifurcation, is considered an advantage.
• Research experience in quantum physics, in particular numerical modelling of nonlinear oscillators, and open quantum systems is an advantage.
• Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner, and have the ability to cooperate with others.
• 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 position of postdoctoral research fellow:

The postdoctoral position is a fixed term position with the primary objective of qualifying the appointee for work in top academic positions. Candidates who lack teaching experience and/or other qualifying competencies will be given the opportunity to undertake qualifying work, either during the fixed-term appointment period or through a possible extension of the appointment period (up to a maximum of four years in total). The position may be extended by up to one year (maximum 4 years in total) if the appointee is granted externally financed research stays abroad. Individuals may not be hired for more than one fixed-term period as a postdoctoral research fellow at the same institution. In accordance with the Research Council’s rules, neither can anyone be hired more than once as an NFR-financed postdoctoral research fellow.

For postdoctoral research fellow positions associated with externally financed projects, the completion of the project proposal for the qualifying work, as well as a progress plan, will be developed in cooperation with the supervisor and head of department. 

It is a requirement that the project is completed in the course of the period of employment. 

We can offer:

• A good and professionally stimulating working environment.
• Position as postdoctoral fellow (code 1352 in the basic collective agreement) and a gross annual salary of NOK 685 900 upon appointment. Further increases in salary are made according to length of service in the position. A higher salary may be considered for a particularly well-qualified applicant.
• 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 from the PhD programme. 
• CV
• Relevant certificates/references
• List of any works of a scientific nature (publication list with links)
• Transcripts and diplomas. If you have not yet completed your PhD degree, please submit a statement from your institution confirming that the thesis has been submitted.

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