PhD Stipend/Integrated Stipend in programming semantics, verification and reliability assurance of combined classical and quantum systems.IP

At the Technical Faculty of IT and Design, Department of Computer Science, one PhD stipend/Integrated PhD stipend in theories for programming semantics, methods for verification and reliability assurance of combined classical and quantum systems and their timing performance is available within the general study programme Computer Science.  The stipends are open for appointment from August 1, 2025, or soon as possible thereafter.

The stipends are available for 3 or 4 years depending on whether the applicant already holds a master’s degree. Applicants who hold a master’s degree can apply for a 3-year position, and applicants who have finished 4 years of full-time studies but do not hold a Master’s degree can apply for a 4 years integrated PhD stipend. The Integrated PhD stipends are only open for appointment with starting date 1 September 2025.

In Computer Science, Aalborg University is known worldwide for its high academic quality and societal impact. The Department of Computer Science employs more than 170 people, of which about 53 are PhD students, and about 47 % of all employees are internationals. In total, it has more than 1200 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 verification and model checking, embedded and cyber-physical systems, data-intensive systems, AI, planning, networks, programming theory, and security. Applications span areas such as energy, transport, health and water. 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.cs.aau.dk 

The Center for Classical Communication in the Quantum Era (CLASSIQUE) is a pioneering research initiative at Aalborg University, Denmark, and is headed by Prof. Petar Popovski. The center 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 (https://www.classique.aau.dk). 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.

This PhD project falls under Research Thrust RT4 on Reliability and Trustworthiness. The objective of the PhD study is to explore and address research and design challenges that address the following (but are not limited to) challenges for quantum computing and communicating systems:

- Design and semantics of distributed quantum programming and modelling languages

- Sound and complete deduction methods for establishing properties of quantum programs

- Reduction methods and metrics for quantum systems

- Decision diagrams for efficient analysis and simulation of distributed quantum programs

- Statistical model checking for approximate analysis of distributed quantum systems

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

- M.Sc. degree in computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, communications engineering or similar

- Solid computer science and analytical skills, including modelling and verification, programming language theory or quantitative model checking.

- 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 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.

Applicants are required to submit, along with their application documents, a one-page statement, indicating their vision for research to be conducted in relation to the project topics outlined above.

 Description of position, project, tasks and requirements

The successful candidate will be hosted by the DEIS Research Group that is part of the CLASSIQUE center. This group is led by Prof. Kim Guldstrand Larsen, who also heads Research Thrust 4 (RT34) within the center. A dedicated supervisory team composed of experts from the departments of electronic systems, computer science, and mathematics will be assembled to support the interdisciplinarity of the PhD project. The CLASSIQUE Center provides a world-class research environment, outstanding working and networking opportunities, and full employment benefits, including a competitive salary.

Description of Research Group(s)

You may obtain further information from Prof. Kim Guldstrand Larsen, Department of Computer Science, email: kgl@cs.aau.dk, concerning the scientific aspects of the stipend.

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years.

Integrated PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who has not yet completed a Master’s degree and who wish to begin the PhD study in connection with the Master study. Thus a prerequisite for acceptance is that the candidate is enrolled in a relevant Master’s programme, such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, etc.

The integrated stipend consists of two parts, A and B. During part A you are enrolled simultaneous in the Master’s programme and in the PhD programme. The stipend consists of two SU-PhD Grants per month (SU=The Danish students’ Grants and Loans Scheme). One SU-PhD grant equals DKK 6.397 kr.(2023 level). SU-PhD Grants are paid for a maximum of two years. When the Master’s degree has been obtained, you will be employed for two years as a PhD fellow according to the present collective agreement. Part B has a maximum duration of two years.

It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Shortlisting will be applied. This means that subsequent to the deadline for applications the head of department supported by the chair of the assessment committee will select candidates for assessment. All applicants will be informed whether they will be assessed or not.

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure contact HR-Support, hr-support@adm.aau.dk or phone +4599403031

For more information of The Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design: www.phd.tech.aau.dk

The application is only to be submitted online by using the "Apply online" button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of November 10, 2015 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the Ministry of Finance current circular on the employment structure at Danish Universities.

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) and protocol on certain terms of employment of 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) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).