Group Leader: Superconducting Materials For Quantum Technologies

Group Leader: Superconducting Materials For Quantum Technologies

Come join QuTech and create the Quantum Future!

Job description

At QuTech, we are looking for a Principal Investigator to strengthen our profile through a bold, materials-driven research agenda. Progress in quantum hardware is increasingly limited not only by device concepts, but by materials science including thin-film growth, defects, interfaces, surfaces, oxides, and processing history. We are therefore seeking an independent group leader who can turn superconducting and related quantum materials innovation into new capabilities across qubit platforms and quantum devices.

Your research will be anchored in the Qubit Research division, where we develop qubits that are protected from noise by design and aim to demonstrate devices that outperform established technology. At the same time, QuTech provides a highly collaborative setting where materials advances can create synergies with the Quantum Computing Division (e.g., scalable fabrication, integration, packaging) and the Quantum Internet Division (e.g., integration into optical devices for spin qubits, photon detection, interconnects). We are interested in superconducting materials and processes that enable improved performance, reproducibility, and integration across quantum-device technologies.

We expect you to establish and lead an independent research group, acquire national and international funding, develop an excellent research program (including outreach and valorisation), and contribute to the organization of QuTech.

Requirements

We are looking for an experimental scientist with deep expertise in materials development for quantum technologies and a strong leadership profile. The proposed research should synergize with and complement the research topics of QuTech. The candidate should have a successful scientific track record and formulate an independent research program addressing current scientific and technological challenges.

An ideal candidate will align with one or more of the following directions:

• Pioneer novel superconducting materials (e.g., alloys, nitrides, disordered superconductors or 2D systems) and connect materials innovation to quantum-device performance.
• Advance coherence and robustness through materials engineering, focusing on structures, surfaces, interfaces, oxides, and loss mechanisms.
• Develop novel hybrid materials approaches (e.g., superconductor–semiconductor stacks or other heterostructures) to directly enable new qubit platforms or heterogenous integration of multiple platforms.
• Enable operation in novel or challenging conditions (e.g., optics-compatible materials stacks or high-field-compatible superconductors).
• Bridge quantum materials and scalable fabrication, developing processes that support high yield, uniformity, and compatibility with industrial practices.

We are looking for a colleague who is passionate, commited and respectful. At QuTech we value people who can demonstrate:

• Leadership skills (experienced in training and mentoring junior researchers).
• Positive and open-minded.
• Excellent communication skills and intercultural sensitivity.
• Strong team spirit, enjoys working closely with students, technical staff and colleagues.
• Prepared to serve the organization and take responsibility.
• Professionalism and a strong work ethic.

You are expected to respect and promote the QuTech EtiQuette for a socially safe workplace.

Applications for a tenured position will be considered for experienced and exceptionally well-qualified candidates.

Candidates interested in teaching can contribute to courses offered by the university both at the undergraduate and at the graduate level.

The successful candidate will be part of this vibrant research community and can expect a competitive start-up package to enable a quick start of their research program.

QuTech

QuTech is a mission-driven research institute of TU Delft. Together we are working on a radical new technology with world-changing potential. We are developing scalable prototypes of a quantum computer and a secure quantum internet.

Conditions of employment

Candidates will be appointed within the QuTech Career Track, with the expectation of a permanent, tenured, position following a positive evaluation after 1 ½ years. Consideration of applications for a tenured position are possible for exceptionally well-qualified and more senior individuals.

You can expect a start-up package to enable a quick start of your research program and group.

Inspiring, excellent research is QuTech’s central aim. Increasingly, we also take responsibility for educating the next generation of students interested in quantum technology. When teaching at TU Delft, you are expected to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years if you have less than five years of teaching experience. This is provided by the TU Delft UTQ program.

TU Delft sets high standards for the English proficiency of the teaching staff. The TU Delft offers training to improve English proficiency.

TU Delft/QuTech offers a customizable compensation package, an attractive pension scheme, holiday allowance, generous holidays, 13th month pay (paid as a pro-rata bonus in December), a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel.