PhD Position in Quantum Photonics - Quantum Transduction

About the PhD position

Are you interested in doing a PhD in the exciting field of quantum photonics and contributing to build the future quantum network? If yes, check this out!

As emerging quantum technologies move from laboratory demonstrations toward real-world systems, the ability to coherently interface different physical platforms becomes increasingly critical. Quantum transduction—the conversion of quantum information between microwave, optical, and other frequency domains—plays a key enabling role in scalable quantum networks, distributed quantum computing, and hybrid quantum systems.

You can make a difference by joining an ambitious and growing research group at the forefront of quantum photonics and hybrid quantum interfaces. The project focuses on developing integrated photonic and electro-optic platforms for efficient, low-noise quantum transduction, with particular emphasis on nonlinear processes in material such as thin-film lithium niobate.

As one of the early PhD students in QuIN Photonics Lab, you will contribute to design of novel quantum photonic components, development of nanofabrication of such devices, and their characterization.

The project is funded by Quantum Delta NL and offers strong exposure to a broad quantum ecosystem. Also, it will be carried out in close collaboration with Harvard University.

You will be responsible for:

• Modelling and design of electro-optic and superconducting components (numerical simulations using Lumerical, Tidy3D, CST,….)
• Development of nanofabrication processes in the cleanroom
• Characterizing electro-optic and superconducting components
• Documentation of the progress and results
• Mentoring Bachelor and Master students

You will join a dynamic and ambitious research team at its inception, offering a rare opportunity to shape the direction and culture of an emerging lab. As one of the first members, you'll play a key role in innovative projects, contributing directly to high-impact research while gaining valuable leadership experience. This is a chance to collaborate closely with the lab leader and influence innovative ideas, while developing your skills in a supportive and exciting environment. We meet regularly to share ideas and knowledge or socialize. In addition, you will receive all the training you need to evolve as a scientist in this fast-developing field.

Job requirements

We are looking for a motivated and self-driven candidate with a critical thinking mindset who works well in a multicultural team and can communicate with a wide range of collaborator, leveraging her/his independence and strong communication skills. Strong communication skills allow us as a team to build and maintain relationships with professionals, technical experts and research staff. We seek for a candidate with a creative and flexible mindset who develops her/his own models and exploring new possibilities, always ready to tackle challenges and innovate.

Basic Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in Optics/Photonics, Applied Physics, Quantum Technology, Electrical Engineering or relevant fields.
• Hands on experience with one or more programming languages for data analysis (Python, C/C++, …)
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (subject to TU Delft eligibility criteria).

Will make your application stand out:

• Prior cleanroom fabrication expertise
• Experience with modelling photonic/electronic devices using numerical simulation software such as CST Microwave Studio, Lumerical, Tidy3D, COMSOL, HFSS, …
• Prior experience in building an electrical/optical characterization setup
• Research experience and publications in relevant topics

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.