PhD Position in Quantum Networks

Job description

The vision of a Quantum Internet is to provide fundamentally new internet technology by enabling quantum communication between any two points on earth. Such a Quantum Internet will – in synergy with the ‘classical’ Internet that we have today - connect quantum processors in order to achieve unparalleled capabilities that are provably impossible using only classical communication.

At QuTech and the Quantum Internet Alliance, we are working on making such a network a reality.

PhD Positions are available on the following two topics:

1. Quantum Network Architectures. The goal of this position is to design and analyze large-scale quantum network architectures using both analytical methods and/or numerical simulation – including new entirely concepts, abstractions, mathematical methods, algorithms, as well as laying the foundations for the performance analysis of quantum networks. The successful candidate enjoys working at the boundary of computer science, physics and mathematics, and is excited by the idea their work may in the long run contribute to building large-scale quantum networks in the real world.
2. Quantum Network Systems. The goal of this position is the design and implementation of Quantum Network Systems concepts on state-of-the-art quantum hardware on a small network of quantum processors, as well as supporting simulators. The successful candidate enjoys experimenting with different approaches, and is excited by computer and network systems research that works towards bringing quantum network technologies into the real world together with a diverse team from quantum hardware, software engineering, and quantum information.

The successful candidates will work with Prof. Stephanie Wehner at QuTech, Delft University of Technology in the section on Quantum Computer Science and QuTech’s Quantum Internet Division.

Requirements

• You have a master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, physics or comparable discipline at the time of taking on the position. While a prior course in quantum information is a plus, no prior knowledge in quantum information is required.
• You enjoy working in a team and bring excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts: an initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

TU Delft

Your contract will be with Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), an organisation built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks, and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation.

For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers in both business and social contexts. TU Delft offers 16 Bachelor’s and 32 Master’s programs to more than 23,000 students. Our scientific staff consists of 3,500 staff members and 2,800 PhD candidates. Together we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to ensure positive change on a global scale: Challenge. Change. Impact!

Department

The vision of a Quantum Internet is to provide fundamentally new internet technology by enabling quantum communication between any two points on earth. Such a Quantum Internet will – in synergy with the ‘classical’ Internet that we have today - connect quantum processors in order to achieve unparalleled capabilities that are provably impossible using only classical communication At QuTech and the Quantum Internet Alliance, we are working on making such a network a reality.

Quantum Computer Science in Delft

Quantum Computer Science (QCS) is a growing subdivision of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science (EEMCS) at TU Delft. QCS’ mission is to endow society with the full potential of quantum technologies. In view of this endeavor, QCS values research in all areas of quantum computing, quantum information, and quantum communication with a special focus on making quantum technologies a practical reality. QCS is part of QuTech — a leading institution in the development of a Quantum Internet and a Quantum Computer. This allows for close collaboration of QCS members with physicists and engineers at QuTech who build real-world quantum hardware, thus enabling opportunities of conducting research on all levels of the stack.