PhD in secure multiparty computation in quantum networks

As part of the Centre for Quantum Communication Networks and Applications one PhD stipend is available at the Department of Mathematical Sciences. The position will be tied to a work package related to multiparty computation in quantum networks.

The stipend is open for appointment from 1stNovember 2026 or soon hereafter. The duration of the position is three years.

Your work tasks
The successful candidate will contribute to developing new cryptographic network protocols based on quantum resources. A particular focus is given to secure multiparty computation protocols where participants are not restricted to classical hardware but may have (potentially limited) access to quantum resources such as entanglement. The goal is to use this entanglement in combination with other properties of quantum information e.g. the no-cloning principle to provide improved privacy in distributed computation settings.

As part of the position you will be expected to collaborate with other researchers from the CLASSIQUE Centre of Excellence at Aalborg University as well as researchers affiliated with the Centre for Quantum Communication Networks and Applications led by Simula UiB in Bergen Norway.

During the PhD studies you will also be expected to perform teaching tasks e.g. lecturing or project supervision at the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

Your competencies
Based on the research tasks tied to the position we seek a candidate who has either a strong background in quantum networks or quantum information in general or a strong background in cryptography related to multiparty computation. Familiarity with both topics is a definite benefit but not a strict requirement.

The position requires a solid mathematical skill set and the ability to formally analyse and prove properties of abstract systems and structures. The majority of the work will be theoretical but for certain problems it may be relevant to set up simulations in a quantum network simulator such as NetSquid or Q2NS.

The position is affiliated with two research centres. We expect the candidate to be creative open-minded and willing to engage in collaborations with both junior and senior researchers within the two centres.

The candidate should be able to communicate clearly in both written and spoken English. As part of the position you are expected to participate in workshops and conferences to present your results to fellow researchers and build up an international network. Furthermore you should be willing to complete a stay abroad once during the PhD studies in order to strengthen your profile as a researcher.

Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Masters 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 at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19 2025 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. As part of the PhD study you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.

Who we are
The PhD position will be hosted at the Department of Mathematical Sciences under the supervision of Associate Professor René Bødker Christensen and Assistant Professor Jaron Skovsted Gundersen.

CLASSIQUE is a cross-departmental Centre of Excellence bringing together researchers from electrical engineering mathematics physics and computer science. The centre is devoted to problems in the intersection of classical and quantum networks aiming to provide the classical foundation of future quantum networks.

Centre for Quantum Communication Networks and Applications (QCNA) is a Norwegian research centre with partners in Scandinavia and Japan. Its goal is to design secure and reliable quantum communication protocols and explore applications of quantum resources in a network setting. Among the research topics are quantum cryptographic algorithms and quantum error-correction.

How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• o Application (at most 2 pages) stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position. We also welcome you to mention research ideas you would like to pursue as part of the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (bachelors and masters degree diploma including grades)
• Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg Universitys recruitment system which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg Universitys 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.

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 Doctoral School of Engineering and Science

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)

There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers students and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights new solutions to societal problems and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.