Two Postdoc positions max. in Photonics Quantum

Job description

Your home base will be the Adaptive Quantum Optics (AQO) chair at the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente. Within P4Q, you will work on photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for quantum communication and quantum networking. A central element of the project is the integration of high-brightness III–V photonic-crystal single-photon sources developed by our French partners with low-loss SiN photonic routing circuits.

The work will be carried out in close collaboration with leading industrial and research partners in the P4Q consortium, in particular Thales (France), LioniX International, TNO, and QuiX Quantum.

You will contribute to the design of the photonic circuits and their hybrid integration, followed by extensive quantum-optical characterization after fabrication. The experimental work will be performed in close collaboration with colleagues in the Applied Nanophotonics (ANP) department at the University of Twente.

We would love to go beyond laboratory characterization and demonstrate the technology in realistic quantum-networking scenarios. We coordinate a dark-fiber connection for field experiments between the University of Twente and Saxion University of Applied Sciences, and are setting up one towards the University of Münster in Germany. We aim to use these facilities to demonstrate advanced quantum-communication concepts, including authenticated quantum communication.

The positions therefore offer the opportunity to work across the full chain from integrated photonic design and hybrid integration to quantum-optical experiments and field demonstrations, within a large European consortium spanning academia, research institutes, foundries, and quantum-technology companies.

We are looking for Postdoc candidate with the following profile;

• PhD degree in Physics and a solid background in integrated photonics, (quantum) optics
• You have a good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.
• You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.
• An excellent command of English; being able to speak Dutch or German is an advantage.

• A full-time position for a duration to be discussed (with a max. of 2.5 years), and the flexibility to work (partially) from home.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU)
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 4.422,- to € 5.760,-
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
• Excellent career support and courses for your professional and personal development.

Adaptive Quantum Optics (AQO) combines adaptive methods with quantum-optical applications and integrated photonics. We employ adaptive systems designed to compensate for fluctuations and randomness inherent in nanophotonic structures or for handling high-dimensional quantum information. Whether exploring multiple-scattering photonic media or engineered nanophotonic structures, we strive to uncover the underlying principles that govern their behavior and exploit it for new functionality.

AQO stands at the intersection of quantum optics, integrated photonics, and security, equipped with state-of-the‑art technology and a commitment to…