Scientist (f/m/d) for Experimental Quantum Communication

Austrian Institute of Technology; Wien; On-site; EUR 61,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company benefits

Flexible working conditions

Training and career opportunities

Job summary

The Austrian Institute of Technology in Vienna seeks a Scientist (f/m/d) for Experimental Quantum Communication to advance photonic quantum technologies in lab and in networks.

You will develop experimental prototypes for quantum communication, implement protocols, publish in journals, and supervise students, contributing to international collaborations and cutting-edge research.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, electrical engineering or related field with experimental quantum optics experience.
• Strong knowledge of experimental quantum communication.
• Experience with cavity optics and entangled photon sources is a plus.
• Analytical and structured approach to research.
• Team player with high commitment and English proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Develop experimental quantum communication prototypes and protocols in lab and deployed networks.
• Plan, submit and lead quantum communication research projects.
• Publish findings in international journals and present at conferences.
• Supervise and support students.

Skills

PhD in physics/EE

Experimental quantum communication

Cavity optics

Entangled photon sources

Optics simulations

Frequency locking

Teamwork

English proficiency

Education

PhD in physics or electrical engineering

Tools

Cavity optics

Entangled photon sources

Optics simulations

Frequency locking

Ion traps

Job description

AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is Austria’s largest Research and Technology Organisation (RTO). We aim to transform scientific excellence into innovation with impact. Together with our partners, we develop technologies and solutions for a sustainable, resilient, and digitalised future, strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and technological sovereignty. Our international teams combine cutting‑edge research with strong implementation expertise to create measurable value for industry and society.

Our Center for Digital Safety & Security is looking for further Ingenious Partners for our location in Vienna (Giefinggasse, 1210). At the Center for Digital Safety & Security, we develop state‑of‑the‑art information and communication technologies to make our systems highly secure and reliable in the context of comprehensive digitalisation and global networking - focusing on a variety of key technologies such as distributed IT systems, Internet of Things, IoT, cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technologies, quantum and photonic technologies, wireless systems (6G) and digital solutions for crisis and disaster management.

Our Research Field Quantum Key Distribution, within the Competence Unit "Optical Quantum Technologies", specialises in applied research of new methods to exploit the physical properties of optical and wireless communication media and use quantum effects to increase digital security.

Scientist (f/m/d) for Experimental Quantum Communication

CENTER FOR DIGITAL SAFETY & SECURITY

• As part of our interdisciplinary, international team, you develop new areas of application for photonic quantum technologies.
• You work on experimental prototypes for Optical Quantum Technologies and Quantum Communication (e.g. generation of ultra‑narrow bandwidth entangled photons, integrated/bulk optics, photonic quantum information processing, etc.).
• You implement quantum communication protocols in the laboratory and in deployed networks as well as in interfaces with other quantum technologies (e.g. trapped ions).
• You collaborate with the team to plan, submit and lead research projects in quantum communication as well as implement them according to the highest scientific standards.
• You publish your findings in international journals and present them at international conferences.
• You actively support and supervise students.
• With your innovative work, you help master the latest challenges in quantum communication.

Your qualifications as an Ingenious Partner:

• Completed PhD studies in physics, electrical engineering or a similar technical degree working in experimental quantum optics, quantum communication, or related fields
• In depth knowledge of experimental quantum communication
• Experience with cavity optics, cavity‑enhanced entangled photon sources, optics simulations, frequency locking and/or ion traps is an asset
• Analytical thinking and structured work
• High level of commitment and ability to work in a team
• Good written and spoken English

What to expect:

• Expected starting date: 01.01.2027
• The minimum gross annual salary on a full‑time basis (38,5 h / week) according to the collective agreement is EUR 68.152,- -. The actual salary will be determined individually, based on your qualifications and experience. In addition, we offer company benefits, flexible working conditions, individual training and career opportunities.

At AIT, we create an inclusive and family‑friendly working environment that promotes equal opportunities and actively strengthens diversity across our workforce and in leadership positions. Among other initiatives, we are committed to increasing the proportion of women in our company and therefore particularly welcome applications from female applicants.