Two-year Postdoc position on Spintronic Quantum-inspired Computing

Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applications for a 2-year Postdoctoral Researcher position within the newly funded QUANTRONIC – Spintronic Pseudo-Qubits for Room-Temperature Quantum Computing project, supported by the Villum Experiment programme of Villum Fonden.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate a new class of spintronic pseudo-qubits (p-qubits) based on spin-orbit torque magnetic tunnel junctions (SOT-MTJs). The project explores whether engineered stochastic spintronic devices can reproduce key computational mechanisms associated with quantum systems – including superposition-like states, probability-amplitude-based interference, and entanglement-like correlations—without relying on fragile quantum coherence or cryogenic operation.

QUANTRONIC is a high-risk, high-gain research project positioned at the intersection of spintronics, probabilistic computing, quantum-inspired computing, nanoelectronics, and integrated circuit design. The central concept is a novel SOT-MTJ architecture designed to represent and manipulate probability amplitudes and to enable synchronization between multiple pseudo-qubits. The project will combine physics-based modelling, device design and fabrication, experimental characterization, and system-level demonstrations.

The successful candidate will work within SDU Microelectronics and collaborate closely with international partners, particularly INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, on the design and fabrication of spintronic devices.

The position is expected to start in February 2027, with the specific starting date to be agreed with the successful candidate.

As a Postdoctoral Researcher in QUANTRONIC, your key responsibilities will include:

• Develop and refine physics-based compact models of SOT-MTJ-based pseudo-qubits, including stochastic switching and inter-device coupling.

• Develop Verilog-A models and integrate them into circuit-level simulation environments such as Cadence.

• Investigate the physical requirements for controlling probabilistic states and representing probability amplitudes in spintronic devices.

• Collaborate with project partners on the design and fabrication of SOT-MTJ devices and arrays.

• Experimentally characterize standalone devices and coupled arrays, including stochastic switching, synchronization, and entanglement-like correlations.

• Investigate quantum-inspired gate operations and system-level demonstrations using networks of pseudo-qubits.

• Contribute to proof-of-concept demonstrations, including integer factorization and other quantum-inspired computational problems.

• Publish research results in high-quality international journals and conferences and contribute to the dissemination of project results.

• Collaborate with researchers in spintronics, probabilistic computing, microelectronics, materials science, and quantum information.

What we offer

• A unique opportunity to work on a high-risk, high-gain research concept exploring a new computational regime between classical probabilistic and quantum computing.

• A stimulating research environment within SDU Microelectronics, a growing research section with expertise in spintronics, probabilistic computing, neuromorphic computing, analog/digital IC design, and emerging computing architectures.

• Access to advanced facilities for electronic design, device characterization, measurement, and system prototyping.

• Close collaboration with INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory on spintronic device technology and fabrication.

• Opportunities to collaborate with national and international researchers in spintronics, quantum-inspired computing, quantum technologies, and nanoelectronics.

• An open, international, and collaborative research environment within SDU’s Faculty of Engineering, supporting interdisciplinary research across electronics, physics, materials science, and computing.

• Strong opportunities for developing an independent research profile in an emerging area of probabilistic and quantum-inspired hardware.

What we expect

Applicants should hold a PhD in electronic engineering, electrical engineering, applied physics, nanotechnology, spintronics, or a closely related field.

The ideal candidate should have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Spintronics and magnetic devices, particularly MTJs, STT-MTJs, SOT-MTJs, or related technologies.

• Physics-based modelling of nanoscale or magnetic devices.

• Verilog-A, SPICE, and Cadence or comparable circuit/device simulation environments.

• Experimental characterization of electronic, magnetic, or spintronic devices.

• Stochastic or probabilistic computing systems.

Experience in micromagnetic simulation, magnetotransport measurements, nanofabrication, probabilistic computing, or quantum/quantum-inspired computing will be considered a strong advantage.

We are particularly interested in candidates who are enthusiastic about working across traditional disciplinary boundaries and are comfortable combining device physics, modelling, experimentation, and computing concepts.

The successful candidate should be able to work independently while contributing actively to an interdisciplinary and international research team. Excellent written and spoken English and strong communication skills are required.

Workplace description 

The successful candidate will join SDU Microelectronics, a dynamic and expanding section at the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IME). The section conducts internationally recognized research in integrated circuits, spintronics, photonics, and neuromorphic computing, and plays a central role in SDU’s ambition to be a national and European hub for semiconductor and chip innovation. 

Further information 

For further information about the position, please contact Professor Farshad Moradi (moradi@sdu.dk / email), Head of the SDU Microelectronics section and Associate Professor Hooman Farkhani (farkhani@sdu.dk / email), Deputy Head of SDU Microelectronics. 

If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support.

Application

Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply.

Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include: 

• Motivated application.

• Curriculum Vitae. 

• Master’s and PhD degree certificates or equivalent (original and an official English translation).  

• Complete list of publications.

• Publications most relevant to the position.

• Summary and documentation of experience in teaching, if relevant to the position. 

• A research statement may be included.

• References/reference letters may also be included.

• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration number) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked, allow binding and may not be password protected. 

SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application must be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded under ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents must be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files with a maximum 50 MB per file). 

The application deadline is November 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST) 

Assessment and selection process

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU.  Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation. Read about the Assessment and selection process.  

Employment terms

Appointment as a postdoc is temporary for an initial 2-year period, and the preferred start date is February 2027. Extension may be possible depending on available funding.

Employment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment. Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state including the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for postdoc as described therein. 

Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements. As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process. SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary. Further information on salary and taxation. 

Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes its staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, is subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position(s).

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.