PhD Position in Quantum Networks: Entanglement Distribution with Classical Communication Delays

PhD Position in Quantum Networks: Entanglement Distribution with Classical Communication Delays

Join QuTech, the quantum technology institute at TU Delft! We are looking for a master student who would like to pursue a PhD in developing and analysing protocols for remote-entanglement distribution in quantum networks.

Job Description

Most applications of quantum networks (networks of quantum devices) require entanglement between nodes in the network. Such long-distance entanglement is typically constructed by a quantum repeater chain: first generating multiple entangled pairs of qubits at short distances, followed by using quantum teleportation to connect the short-distance pairs to long-distance entanglement.

Although a variety of policies for quantum repeaters exist, these typically assume all nodes have global knowledge that at any point in time. That is, they know which pairs of nodes share entanglement. In practice, however, classical communication delays are significant, and the incurred waiting time for classical messages to arrive makes existing entanglement decay.

In this project, the goal is to investigate how nodes best take actions based on partial information of the network. We will study how well such partial-knowledge policies perform compared to the global-knowledge case, and what the implications are for quantum network design.

For this position, the main supervisor will be Dr Tim Coopmans and the promotor will be Prof Stephanie Wehner.

At QuTech, we value a diverse and inclusive research environment, and we strongly encourage applications from women and other underrepresented groups in science and technology.

Requirements

We are looking for a motivated candidate with a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Physics, or a closely related field and with demonstrable experience or solid foundation in quantum computing or quantum information (for example through coursework).

Previous experience with quantum networks or related fields, for example as part of a master thesis or internship, is preferred, but not strictly necessary.

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is 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 to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

QuTech

QuTech is a mission-driven research institute run jointly by Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO). Together, we work on a radically new technology with world-changing potential, developing scalable prototypes of a quantum computer and an intrinsically safe quantum internet.

We are creating the quantum future, and we believe that quantum technology will be a game changer in many social and economic sectors – including health, agriculture, climate and safety. To achieve our ambitious goals, we bring together scientists, engineers and industry in an inspiring environment, with plenty of space for ambition, entrepreneurship and innovation. Our research and engineering activities are conducted in three divisions: Quantum Computing, Quantum Internet and Qubit Research. 220 FTE and over 300 curious people work in our divisions and support teams, and we actively welcome new colleagues who share our vision and enthusiasm.

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 € 3059 per month in the first year to € 3881 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 a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Additional information
For more information, please contact Dr. Tim Coopmans at T.J.Coopmans@tudelft.nl.