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.

Three PhD positions are available on the topic of quantum network applications and quantum network systems in the group of Prof. Dr. Stephanie Wehner at Delft University of Technology (QuTech and Quantum Computer Science):

1. Quantum Network Applications from Non-local correlations: The goal of this position is to determine possible applications and use cases for quantum networks derived from non-local correlations obtained by measuring entanglement. Examples exist that show that non-local correlations can improve coordination tasks, for example in load balancing, distributed control, or graph coordination problems. In this position we will explore new application domains and/or develop a general understanding of domains in which existing examples highlight potential benefits of exploiting non-local correlations generated by entanglement. This project could depending on the interests of the candidate, either take on a more use case oriented direction in collaboration with potential end users, or focus more on a general theoretical understanding of this application domain. For this position, the successful candidate has a strong background in quantum information and/or one of the example domains mentioned above.
2. Quantum Network Applications for Users: The goal of this position is develop real world use cases for quantum networks, in collaboration with an end user. The type of application and use cases of interest in this case is strongly directed by the interests of the end user. The successful candidate has a background in quantum information, and should be highly motivated by the opportunity of developing real world use cases in collaboration with others with the potential to lead to later proof of concept demonstrations.
3. Quantum Network Systems for a Prototype network: The goal of this position is to further optimize the software and network stack developed by our group for execution on the Quantum Internet Alliance prototype network. The successful candidate should be strongly motivated by the desire to design and build real-world quantum network software systems in a large collaboration, and enjoys experimenting with different approaches to optimize engineering goals. The successful candidate has a background in computer science, computer engineering or related fields, with a demonstrated interest in applied systems research.

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. See further information for the specific positions above.
• 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. For more details please check the Graduate School’s Admission Requirements.

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.

Have a look at our video and get a glimpse of QuTech.

Department

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.

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 € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 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.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Dr. Stephanie Wehner s.d.c.wehner@tudelft.nl.

The position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed at the beginning of each month.by addition

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 23 March 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

Please note that applications that do not provide the necessary documents and information will be filtered out and not passed on for further selection.

• A cover letter addressed to Prof. Dr. Stephanie Wehner, explaining:
  Your personal motivation in pursuing a PhD.
  Your personal motivation for pursuing a PhD in Stephanie’s group.
  Which position(s) you are applying for, and your personal motivation for applying to these specific positions.
• Contact info of three references.
• A CV, which should include details of your eligibility, as well as a list of previous projects and publications. Links to github or other online material are encouraged.
• Transcripts of records including classes and grades obtained (BSc and MSc).
• A PDF of your master thesis or other project report.

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. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

38 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 5