University of Oslo PhD Scholarships 2027 Under SINTEF Industry Contract Open

International students seeking a fully funded doctoral opportunity in one of Europe’s most advanced quantum technology research environments have a new opportunity to consider. SINTEF, Scandinavia’s largest independent research organization, has announced applications for a PhD Candidate position in Fabrication and Characterization of Quantum Materials based in Oslo, Norway.

The doctoral position is hosted by SINTEF Industry in collaboration with the University of Oslo (UiO), providing successful candidates with the opportunity to work at the forefront of quantum materials research while earning a doctoral degree from one of Norway’s leading universities. The project focuses on developing next-generation superconducting materials that could transform future quantum communication systems, sensing technologies, and information processing platforms.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected candidates will receive several significant advantages through this fully funded PhD position:

• Full PhD employment contract with SINTEF Industry
• Competitive Norwegian PhD salary and employee benefits
• Tuition-free doctoral education through the University of Oslo
• Access to world-class research facilities at SINTEF, UiO, and MiNaLab
• Opportunity to conduct cutting-edge quantum technology research
• International collaboration opportunities with research institutes in the United Kingdom and Denmark
• Supervision by internationally recognized experts in quantum materials and superconductivity
• Participation in advanced research networks across Europe
• Access to state-of-the-art material growth, fabrication, and characterization infrastructure
• Opportunity to publish research in leading scientific journals
• Career development within one of Europe’s strongest research ecosystems

About the Research Project

Quantum technologies are rapidly becoming one of the most transformative scientific fields of the 21st century. Applications ranging from ultra-secure communications and quantum computing to precision sensing all depend upon the ability to detect and manipulate individual photons with extraordinary accuracy.

This PhD project focuses on improving superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs), devices widely regarded as the gold standard for detecting single photons at telecommunications wavelengths around 1.55 micrometers.

The research aims to develop superconducting materials that can:

• Operate at higher temperatures
• Achieve faster detector reset times
• Reduce timing jitter
• Improve overall detector performance
• Enhance reliability of quantum devices

The project also seeks to address fundamental challenges in superconducting technologies, including defect-induced performance losses and variability in superconducting properties.

Research Areas and Responsibilities

The successful PhD researcher will engage in advanced materials fabrication and characterization activities.

Thin Film Fabrication: Candidates will grow superconducting thin films using techniques such as:

• Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD)
• Magnetron Sputtering
• In-Situ Deposition Methods

Materials Investigated: Research activities may involve:

• Copper-based superconductors
• Silicon-based superconductors
• High-Entropy Alloys (HEAs)
• Novel superconducting quantum materials

Characterization Techniques: The doctoral candidate will gain hands-on experience with advanced experimental methods, including:

• Electrical Resistivity Measurements
• Magnetization Analysis
• Specific Heat Measurements
• X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
• Photoemission Electron Microscopy (PEEM)
• Conducting Atomic Force Microscopy (cAFM)

A particularly exciting aspect of the project involves implementing new spatially resolved in-situ diagnostics capable of providing direct feedback during material fabrication, allowing optimization of superconducting thin films for future quantum devices.

Host Institutions for this SINTEF PhD Scholarship

1# SINTEF Industry

The position is hosted by SINTEF Industry, one of Europe’s most respected applied research organizations. SINTEF collaborates closely with industry and academia to develop innovative technological solutions addressing global challenges.

2# University of Oslo

The doctoral degree will be awarded by the University of Oslo, Norway’s oldest and most prestigious university. The candidate will be affiliated with the Solid-State Physics and Quantum Technology research division, a vibrant research environment consisting of approximately 60 professors, researchers, postdoctoral fellows, PhD candidates, engineers, administrative staff, and master’s students.

Research Environment

Successful applicants will benefit from an exceptional research infrastructure that includes:

• Thin film fabrication laboratories
• Advanced materials characterization facilities
• Device fabrication cleanroom facilities
• Optical characterization systems
• Electrical testing platforms
• Computational modelling resources
• MiNaLab nanotechnology facilities

This environment provides a complete ecosystem for quantum materials research, from material synthesis to device implementation.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for this doctoral position, applicants must possess:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
• A foreign degree corresponding to at least four years of higher education within the Norwegian educational framework
• Strong academic background in solid-state physics relevant to quantum technology
• Excellent teamwork abilities
• Positive and goal-oriented mindset
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, the following qualifications will strengthen an application:

• Previous experience with superconducting materials
• Familiarity with thin-film deposition techniques
• Knowledge of quantum materials characterization methods
• Experience with nanofabrication or device development
• Strong Master’s thesis in a related scientific field
• Research experience in condensed matter physics or quantum technologies

Why This Opportunity Stands Out?

Unlike many doctoral projects that focus on theoretical studies alone, this position combines advanced material synthesis, state-of-the-art characterization, device-oriented research, and international collaboration. Candidates will gain expertise in technologies that are expected to play a crucial role in future quantum computing, secure communications, and advanced sensing systems.

The combination of SINTEF’s industrial research strengths and the University of Oslo’s academic excellence creates an ideal environment for developing both scientific expertise and professional research skills.

Application Timeline

Applications are currently open for the SINTEF–University of Oslo PhD Candidate Position in Fabrication and Characterization of Quantum Materials. The last date to apply for this PhD position is 12 June 2026.

According to the project team, shortlisted candidates are expected to be contacted shortly after the application deadline. Interviews are planned before the summer holiday period, with the selected candidate expected to begin the doctoral research project in September 2026.