One or more PhD positions in quantum error correction and mitigation

The Department of Electronic Systems at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design invites applications for one or more PhD stipends in the field of Protocols and methods for quantum error correction and mitigation within the general study programme wireless communication; as per April 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The duration of the positions is three years.

In electronic engineering, Aalborg University is known worldwide for its high academic quality and societal impact. The Department of Electronic Systems employs more than 200 people, of which about 90 are PhD students, and about 40 % of all employees are internationals. In total, it has more than 600 students in its BSc and MSc programs, which are based on AAU's problem-based learning model. The department leverages its unique research infrastructure and lab facilities to conduct world-leading fundamental and applied research within communication, networks, control systems, AI, sound, cyber security, and robotics. The department plays an active role in transferring inventions and results into applications in close collaboration with industrial partners worldwide. You can read more about the department at www.es.aau.dk.

Your work tasks
As a PhD student your primary task is research. You are expected to contribute to the research center Classique as well as the Connectivity section through your publications of scientific articles and participation in international conferences. Since you will be part of the research center, which consists of researchers with different backgrounds, you are expected to participate and contribute to collaborative research activities within the research center. You will also be involved in teaching/supervision activities for undergraduate and master students

Your competencies

This PhD project will be in the area of quantum communication and networked quantum computation, dedicated to protocols and methods for combining quantum error correction and quantum error mitigation to achieve application-level reliability. 

Prospective applicants for this PhD proposal should have the following qualifications:

• M.Sc. degree in communications engineering, mathematical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or similar.
• Solid mathematical and analytical skills, including signal processing and optimization.
  Knowledge about classical and/or quantum data communication, including for instance error correction and/or mitigation.
• Knowledge about networking protocols and distributed algorithms.
• Experience in programming, e.g., in C++, Python or Matlab. Experience with quantum simulators, such as NetSquid, is a plus.
• Familiarity with the basic concepts of quantum information and quantum computing.
• Curiosity to research and develop new solutions in collaboration with senior and junior researchers within the research group and the Center CLASSIQUE.
• Readiness to collaborate with the researchers from other disciplines within the Center CLASSIQUE.

Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Who we are    
The Center for Classical Communication in the Quantum Era (CLASSIQUE) is a pioneering research initiative at Aalborg University, Denmark, that aims to revolutionize communication systems for the quantum age. As quantum technologies rapidly advance, CLASSIQUE focuses on a critical challenge: how to evolve classical communication networks to support both traditional data and the unique requirements of quantum information systems. CLASSIQUE will address a suite of fresh research challenges defined by the intersection of digital applications that have real-time requirements and quantum resources that are time-constrained due to the decoherence and volatility. CLASSIQUE is organized into four research thrusts that rely upon interdisciplinary competences in: communication theory, networking, information theory, physics, mathematics, computer science, and statistics. 

The successful candidate will be hosted by the Connectivity Section that is part of the CLASSIQUE center. The Head of the Section on Connectivity, Prof. Petar Popovski, is also the Director of the CLASSIQUE center. The Connectivity Section works in the area of communication theory, wireless communications and networking. Its research activites are organized in six focused subgroups: (1) quantum communications; (2) low-latency and time-constrained communication; (3) satellite and non-terrestrial networking; (4) interplay between AI/ML learning/inference and communications; (5) communication and sensing; (6) experimental works on open-radio access network (O-RAN). The group features a dynamic and international working atmosphere and is located in Aalborg, a city in the northern part of Denmark that tops quality-of-life charts. The successful candidate will enjoy a world-class research environment, excellent working and networking conditions, and full employment benefits accompanied by a competitive salary.

How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (bachelor and master's degree diploma)
• Project description of maximum 2 pages; describing the research activitity that the candidate plans to pursue within the subject area of the PhD position.
  
• Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website. 

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions?     
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

The interviews will be held in the first half of March 2026. 

Further information  
Read more about our recruitment process here.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Read more about The Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish).

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish)