Professor in Quantum Communication Systems - DTU Electro

DTU Electro invites applications for a position as full professor in Quantum Communication Systems.

The position focuses on photonic communication technologies and systems that can support efficient communication networks encompassing quantum and classical communications in co-existence. Quantum communications are expected to play a larger role in the future for interconnecting various types of quantum hardware, for e.g. information processing (such as distributed quantum computing), sensing, and for quantum security. It is expected to be highly advantageous if such a quantum communication layer leverages the classical communication networks and technologies in co-existence. The new professor is expected to explore this domain of classical and quantum communication systems, and contribute to research, teaching, innovation and consultancy to relevant authorities.  

We need a professor in Quantum Communication Systems to strengthen the department’s research and education in future communication technologies, particularly related to optical quantum and classical communications. 

You will be part of the Communications Section at DTU Electro, and be expected to lead your own group, conducting both fundamental and applied research within photonics for classical and quantum communications. 

You will play a key role in:

• Leading research and education in the integration of classical and quantum communication technologies, including long-term vision and strategy development.
• Pioneering advanced optical technologies, applying nonlinear optical signal processing to manipulate optical quantum states realizing novel functionality 
• Exploring novel fibre types, e.g., multi-mode and multi-core, to enable high-dimensional and multiplexed quantum and classical communication.
• Driving practical implementation of quantum communication systems, for applications such as quantum networking, secure cryptographic systems, and interconnecting quantum processing units.
• Leading the operation of the SPOC laboratories, ensuring efficient use and development of DTU Electro’s optical and quantum communication labs while nurturing the highly collaborative research environment which exists there.
• Teaching and curriculum development, integrating quantum communication into classical communication courses, emphasizing both theory and experimental skills, and bridging the knowledge gap between the two fields.
• Public outreach and policy support, showcasing research through demonstrations, supporting public institutions with expert knowledge, and inspiring future students of natural science through various outreach activities.

You have gained international recognition within the research field and demonstrated the ability to collaborate across disciplines e.g. Physics, Communication Technologies, Signal processing and Coding, Machine Learning for photonic systems, as well as Photonics in general.

Your track record proves your position as an internationally recognized researcher in your field and confirms your ability to lead ambitious research projects. You publish and disseminate research at a high international level and attract national and international funding. You are a dedicated and experienced teacher for whom the education of students is a key responsibility. You are keen on further development of the collaboration with national and international research institutes and industries through collaborative projects to strengthen and develop quantum communication technologies in Denmark. You have extensive experience with disseminating your research using public demonstrators and engaging in high-level outreach activities to bring science to society. You have extensive experience with managing larger research collaborations combining research on photonic integration and devices, advanced signal processing and coding, novel fibres and their properties and advanced machine learning techniques with your own expertise on communication systems. 

You are expected to take a lead role in teaching at the BEng, BSc, MSc and PhD levels.

DTU employs two working languages: Danish and English. You are expected to be fluent in at least one of these languages, and in time are expected to master both.

You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:

• Documented experience and quality of teaching and curriculum development
• Research impact and experience, funding track record and research vision
• International impact and experience 
• Societal impact
• Innovativeness, including commercialization and collaboration with industry
• Leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills
• Communication skills

Salary and terms of employment
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. 

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Head of Department Lars-Ulrik Aaen Andersen, tel.: +45 4058 8728. 

You can read more about DTU Electro at www.electro.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. 

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 17 November 2025 (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:

• Application (cover letter) addressed to the President
• Vision for teaching and research 
• CV including employment history, list of publications indicating scientific highlights, H-index and ORCID (see http://orcid.org/)
• Teaching portfolio including documentation of teaching experience
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)
• Evidence of research contributions at an international level within the key research topics outlined above.
• Summary of scientific contributions within optical signal processing for: Optical Fourier transformation, waveform manipulation and wavelength conversion
• Documented record of experience with coordinating interdisciplinary research efforts as described above. 
• Documented record of experience in laboratory-based teaching within optical communication and mentoring in research settings.

You can learn more about the recruitment process here.

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.

DTU Electro has 300 employees with competencies in electrical and photonics engineering. As one of Europe’s largest public research departments, DTU Electro covers a multitude of research disciplines within nanophotonics, lasers, quantum photonics, optical sensors, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, bio-photonics, acoustics, power electronics, robotics, and autonomous systems.

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.