Position Description

The Center for Quantum Mathematics (QM) at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applications for a number of positions as Professor in Quantum Mathematics with emphasis on pure mathematics with relations to quantum theory or with emphasis on Quantum algorithms, Quantum software and Quantum computing.

The targeted starting date of the position is 1 August 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The QM centre is located at the Faculty of Science on the international campus in Odense, Denmark and it is hosting several large European, Danish and American grants including, “Recursive and Exact New Quantum Theory” (ERC-Synergy), “New Structures in Low-Dimensional Topology” (Simons Collaboration) & “Topological Photonic Quantum Computing and its Applications” (Innovation Fund Denmark) all three led by PI and Centre Director Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen; “Mathematics of the open topological string” (VILLUM Investigator) led by Professor Vivek Shende, “New invariants in low-dimensional topology via quantum field theory” (VILLUM Young Investigator) led by Associate Professor Du Pei, “Global Categorical Symmetries and Phases of Quantum Matter” (VILLUM Young Investigator) led by Assistant Professor Apoorv Tiwari, “The Emergent Geometry of Categories” (DFF Sapere Aude) led by Associate Professor Fabian Haiden, “From Pertubative to Non-pertubative Quantum Field Theory by cutting and gluing” (DFF Sapere Aude) led by Assistant Professor Konstantin Wernli and finally “Leveraging Algebraic Geometry for High-Precision Fundamental Physics“ (DFF Sapere Aude) led by Associate Professor Matthias Wilhelm.

The QM centre is newly established with the ambition to create a highly international and interdisciplinary group within a broad spectrum of pure mathematics and mathematical physics. Odense is a fast-growing international community with an open Scandinavian culture, affordable housing and living costs. For more information on the QM centre, please visit https://www.sdu.dk/en/qm.
 
Job description
A successful candidate will drive internationally competitive research, collaborate with the world community in the field, and attract competitive external research funding. The candidates are expected to con-tribute significantly to QM's outstanding research and teaching environment, to provide excellent education, supervise bachelor's, master's and PhD level students, as well as to contribute to the development of junior faculty research to high international standards.

The candidates will get the opportunity to shape this development together with the team and implement research-project ideas with national and international impact. 

Topics of interest: Algebra, algebraic geometry, differential geometry, algebraic topology, complex geometry, quantum topology, geometric analysis, operator algebra, number theory statistic, probability theory and mathematical physics, quantum algorithms, quantum software architecture and quantum computing.

We offer
Our new colleagues will become part of an inspirational international research environment with excel-lent facilities and strong collaborations with a vast international network, research organizations and regulatory stakeholders. Our special emphasis is the mathematical foundations for quantum theory and we are committed to an ambitious build-up of top international scholars in the field of the mathematical foundations of quantum field theory and string theory and further in the mathematical foundations of quantum engineering. Given that current development of mathematical foundations of quantum theory draws from and needs a diverse deep understanding of all branches of pure mathematics, we offer a number of positions in all branches of pure mathematics at QM. We also offer the opportunity to shape our educational programmes to benefit from new developments in pedagogical approaches and content.

We expect
The candidates must possess research qualifications and teaching skills corresponding to those obtained after a successful completion of a period of employment as an associate professor or equivalent academic qualifications.

The candidates must have a PhD degree in pure mathematics, mathematical physics or quantum computer Science. The candidates must further have a strong research track record in the field, evidence of excellent teaching at undergraduate and graduate level (e.g. teaching evaluations, awards, having completed pedagogical and supervision courses), evidence of project/s participation with competitive research funding (at national and/or international level).

We are seeking highly motivated candidates, who work and communicate well in an international team. The candidates must be able to carry out independent and rigorous work at top international level.

We are looking for candidates with experience and competences in several of the following items:

• Mentoring and coaching students in projects and theses.
• Ability to work in national and international projects.
• A relevant international network for research and collaboration activities.
• Experience in performing research management activities, editorial experience, planning and running conferences or workshops, etc.
• Experience in attracting and managing externally funded projects with multiple partners (e.g. EU projects).

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Danish is not a prerequisite for applying. The hired candidate will be offered Danish courses by the university. 

Information of salary rates can be found at: https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/job-sdu/international-staff/working-in-denmark. For non-Danish candidates there is an optional researcher taxation scheme. 

Contact information
Further information is available from the Head of the Centre, Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen (qm@sdu.dk). 
Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark: https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/job-sdu/international-staff.
Further information about the Faculty of Science: https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/fakulteterne/naturvidenskab.
Application deadline: 1 December 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time

About SDU
The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.

Application, salary etc.
Appointment to the position will be in accordance with the salary agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and taxation.

Applications will be assessed by an expert committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

The application must include the following:

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Certificates/Diplomas (MSc and PhD) - Danish or English
• Research Statement
• Teaching Portfolio
• List of publications

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.
Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Applications must be submitted electronically via the SDU website.

Since not all members of the appointment committee are Danish-speaking, it is recommended that your application is submitted in English.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.