Jan Østergaard

The Faculty of Engineering and Science at Aalborg University, Department of Mathematical Sciences, invites applications for one or more PhD stipends and integrated PhD stipends in inference and modeling of quantum transduction processes. These positions are part of the general study programme in Mathematics and are available from August 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The stipends are offered for 3 years to candidates with a master’s degree, and for 4 years as integrated PhD stipends to candidates with a BSc plus one year of master’s studies. Integrated PhD stipends begin September 1, 2026. Aalborg University is internationally recognized for its excellence in engineering and research, ranking 3rd in Europe and 27th globally for engineering (US News & World Ranking), and 9th worldwide for UN SDG Impact (Times Higher Education). The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers a vibrant, international, and collaborative environment, with research spanning mathematics, statistics, mathematical economics, and mathematics-technology. The PhD project is embedded within the Center for Classical Communication in the Quantum Era (CLASSIQUE), a pioneering initiative led by Prof. Petar Popovski. CLASSIQUE addresses the evolution of classical communication networks to support quantum information systems, focusing on interdisciplinary research in communication theory, networking, information theory, physics, mathematics, computer science, and statistics. The project specifically collaborates with Research Thrust RT2 (Physics-based models) and RT3 (representation, compression, learning, and inference). Quantum transduction—the conversion of quantum information between stationary quantum memories and flying photonic qubits—is a critical challenge for scalable quantum technologies. The project aims to develop structure-aware inference methods for modeling quantum transducers as open quantum systems, focusing on dominant loss and noise channels and their impact on quantum information transfer. Key research elements include modeling quantum transduction using quantum channels, Kraus representations, and Lindblad master equations; learning dynamical models from measurement data; identifying error mechanisms such as photon loss, thermal excitation, phase decoherence, and leakage; and quantifying fundamental limits on transduction fidelity. Applicants should have a strong background in mathematical engineering, mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, or similar fields, with solid mathematical and analytical skills. Experience in programming (C++, Python, quantum simulators) and familiarity with quantum information and quantum computing are advantageous. Candidates must submit a one-page statement outlining their research vision related to the project topics. Successful candidates will join the Section of Mathematics and CLASSIQUE center, supported by a supervisory team including Professor Horia Cornean, Professor Jan Østergaard, and Associate Professor Christophe Biscio. The center offers world-class research facilities, networking opportunities, and full employment benefits, including a competitive salary. Integrated PhD stipends provide SU-PhD Grants (DKK 7,426/month, 2026 level) for up to two years, followed by two years as a PhD fellow under the collective agreement. Applications must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, including CV, diplomas, and other relevant documents. The university values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. The assessment process includes shortlisting and may involve a risk assessment. For further information, visit the doctoral school website or contact the supervisors listed in the job post. For more details and to apply, visit Aalborg University PhD Vacancies and CLASSIQUE Center .

Aalborg University invites applications for PhD and integrated PhD stipends in Foundation Models for Neural Speech Tracking, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) New Exploratory Research and Discovery grant. The project, led by Professor Jan Østergaard, focuses on developing novel information-theoretic methods to identify and analyze temporal and spatial patterns of synergy and redundancy in brain signals elicited by acoustic stimuli. Research will be conducted within the Section on AI & Sound, a world-class environment with outstanding facilities and networking opportunities. The PhD project is part of Research Track 2: Tracking neural and perceptual attributes, investigating how the brain learns and tracks acoustic patterns over time. The research aims to accurately capture neural encoding of perceptual statistical properties and uncover mechanisms driving auditory recognition. Methodologies include context tree models and large language models for generating embeddings that capture semantic and statistical relationships. Applicants should have a strong background in electrical engineering, mathematical engineering, acoustics, machine learning, or related fields, with solid mathematical and analytical skills, including signal processing, optimization, machine learning, or information theory. Programming experience in C++, Python, or Matlab is required. For integrated PhD stipends, candidates must be enrolled in a relevant Master’s programme. The application must include a CV, diplomas or transcripts, and a one-page research vision statement. The position is fully funded. Integrated PhD candidates receive two SU-PhD Grants per month (DKK 7,426 each, 2026 level) for up to two years during the Master's phase, followed by two years of PhD employment with full salary and benefits according to the Danish collective agreement. All PhD students are required to complete 30 ECTS of PhD courses, gain teaching experience, and complete a 3-6 month external research stay. Applications must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system. The deadline is 10 May 2026. For more information, visit the official vacancy page or contact Professor Jan Østergaard at [email protected].

The Department of Electronic Systems at Aalborg University, Denmark, is offering PhD stipends and integrated PhD stipends in the field of Machine Learning for Intelligent Hearing Assistance in Complex Acoustic Environments. These positions are part of the general study programme in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and are open for appointments from August 1, 2026 (PhD stipend) and September 1, 2026 (integrated PhD stipend). Aalborg University is internationally recognized for its high academic quality and societal impact, particularly in electronic engineering. The Department of Electronic Systems employs over 200 staff, including about 90 PhD students, and maintains a diverse, international environment. The department is renowned for its research infrastructure and lab facilities, supporting world-leading research in communication, networks, control systems, AI, sound, cyber security, and robotics. The Centre for Acoustic Signal Processing Research, within the Section on Artificial Intelligence and Sound, focuses on advancing hearing assistive technologies using machine learning and statistical signal processing. The research aims to enable robust, real-time speech understanding in complex acoustic environments, moving beyond traditional audibility-based solutions. The goal is to develop systems that enhance intelligibility, meaning extraction, and user-specific listening intent. The PhD project scope includes novel low-complexity neural network architectures, generative audio techniques, and integration of large language and speech foundation models to design adaptive, efficient, and intelligent algorithms for hearing assistive devices. Key objectives are improving speech perception in noisy environments, reducing listening effort, and developing systems capable of identifying and prioritizing the user’s intended sound sources. Applications include advanced hearing aid systems and broader solutions for speech communication in challenging acoustic situations, such as headsets, earbuds, and telepresence technologies. Successful candidates will join the Section on AI & Sound, led by Professor Jan Østergaard, and benefit from a dedicated supervisory team of experts from the Centre for Acoustic Signal Processing Research. The section offers a world-class research environment, excellent working and networking opportunities, and full employment benefits. Applicants must have an M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering, mathematical engineering, acoustics, machine learning, or a related field for the standard PhD stipend. For the integrated PhD stipend, candidates must be enrolled in a relevant Master’s programme. Required competencies include strong mathematical and analytical skills (signal processing, optimization, machine learning, information theory) and programming experience (C++, Python, Matlab). The stipend consists of two parts: Part A (up to two years, SU-PhD Grants of DKK 7,426/month) and Part B (up to two years as a PhD fellow with full employment benefits). PhD stipends are normally for three years as a PhD fellow. Candidates must complete PhD courses (30 ECTS), gain teaching or dissemination experience, and undertake an external research stay (preferably 3-6 months) outside Aalborg University. Applications must include a CV, diplomas or transcripts, a one-page project description outlining research vision, and other relevant documents. The application is submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system. The university values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds. The assessment process includes shortlisting and may involve a risk assessment. Salary and terms of employment follow Danish collective agreements. For further information, visit www.es.aau.dk or contact Section Head Jan Østergaard, Professor Zheng-Hua Tan, Professor Jesper Jensen, or Lisbeth Diinhoff via the provided emails. Apply by August 31, 2026, through the official application link.