Postdoc in Experimental Photonic Quantum Computing - DTU Physics

Freelio; Denmark; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Physics seeks postdoctoral researchers to join ScaleQ, advancing scalable photonic quantum computing. You will work on MBGBS using squeezed light, multimode entanglement, and photonic integrated circuits, collaborating with national/international partners.

The role emphasizes experimental setups, leadership, and delivering ground-breaking results in a dynamic, international environment within the Quantum Physics and Information Technology section and bigQ Center.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, photonics, quantum information science, electrical engineering or related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in experimental quantum optics or integrated photonics.
• Advantageous: expertise in several listed areas such as squeezed light, Gaussian/non-Gaussian operations, or photonic integration.

Responsibilities

• Experimentally develop photonic systems for MBGBS, including squeezed-light sources, interferometric networks, and mode multiplexing.
• Design and characterize architectures for large-scale continuous-variable cluster states on chips or in fiber.
• Explore generating and using non-Gaussian states as resources for universal photonic quantum computing.
• Collaborate with LNOI and associated platforms to translate concepts into scalable chip-based systems.
• Develop quantum computing protocols using hybrid detection and graph-state architectures.
• Publish results and coordinate collaborations within ScaleQ and related projects.

Skills

Experimental quantum optics

Integrated photonics

Multimode entanglement

Gaussian boson sampling

Non-Gaussian state generation

Optical design

Interferometry

FPGA programming

Data analysis

English communication

Education

PhD in physics/photonic quantum information science

Tools

LNOI platform

Silicon nitride photonics

Photonic circuit design

Job description

Om stillingen

We are seeking 1-2 highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researchers to join our team at DTU Physics and contribute to ScaleQ, a new project on scalable photonic quantum computing. ScaleQ will develop bulk and integrated photonic systems for measurement-based Gaussian boson sampling (MBGBS), using squeezed light, multimode entanglement and photonic integrated circuits to build a practical route towards large-scale quantum information processing. The project connects near-term quantum advantage in MBGBS with a longer-term vision for universal photonic quantum computing. The successful candidate will work on chip-compatible or free-space architectures for generating and manipulating continuous-variable cluster states, integrating squeezing and interferometric networks, and combining Gaussian operations with non-Gaussian resources and hybrid detection. The work will build on DTU’s strong activities in measurement-based photonic quantum computing and will be carried out in close collaboration with national and international partners, including the ScaleQ partners working on LNOI photonic integrated circuits and MBGBS applications. The role is situated within a highly dynamic and collaborative setting at the Quantum Physics and Information Technology section, as well as at bigQ – the Center for Macroscopic Quantum States, a Danish National Center of Excellence in quantum information science and technology.

Responsibilities and qualifications

• Experimentally develop photonic systems for measurement-based Gaussian boson sampling, including chip-compatible or bulk squeezed-light sources, interferometric networks, mode multiplexing and detection.
• Design, implement and characterize photonic architectures for large-scale continuous-variable cluster states on chips or in fiber, with relevance to both MBGBS and universal measurement-based quantum computing.
• Explore methods for generating, injecting, detecting and using non-Gaussian states and measurements as resources for universal photonic quantum computing.
• Work with LNOI and related photonic integrated circuit platforms, in collaboration with external partners, to translate free-space and fiber-based quantum-optical concepts into scalable chip-based systems or work on optimization of bulk sources of pulsed squeezed light, real-time feed-forward control and other experimental aspects.
• Develop and test quantum computing protocols using hybrid detection, Gaussian/non-Gaussian operations, and 3D or other highly connected graph-state architectures.
• Contribute to benchmarking of MBGBS processors and to demonstrations of quantum advantage for relevant computational tasks.
• Publish research results in high-quality scientific journals, present at conferences and workshops, and help coordinate collaborations within ScaleQ and related quantum computing projects.

We are seeking an exceptional physicist or photonics researcher with strong drive and creativity. In particular, we value academic excellence and/or a proven record of scientific achievement, combined with the ability to develop original ideas, build high-performance experimental setups, demonstrate initiative and leadership, and ensure steady progress in demanding experimental work. A strong intrinsic motivation to deliver significant and ground-breaking results is essential.

We expect you to:

• be motivated and dedicated to research of the highest international standard,
• enjoy working in a team and sharing your expertise with other group members,
• be curious, creative and open to new ideas,
• be excited about ambitious experimental challenges and enjoy solving them,
• have extraordinary drive towards achieving ground-breaking results,
• have a natural interest in physics and enjoy engaging in thoughtful scientific conversations,
• keep project aligned with goals.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree in physics, photonics, quantum information science, electrical engineering, or a related field. Demonstrated expertise in experimental quantum optics or integrated photonics is expected. Expertise in some of the following areas will be an advantage:

• Experimental quantum optics, continuous-variable quantum information processing, squeezed light, homodyne/heterodyne detection or photon counting.
• Integrated photonics, preferably including LNOI, silicon nitride, silicon photonics, nonlinear photonics or photonic packaging.
• Generation, manipulation and characterization of multimode entanglement, cluster states, Gaussian boson sampling or measurement-based quantum computing.
• Non-Gaussian state generation or non-Gaussian measurements for photonic quantum information processing.
• Optical design, interferometry, high-speed electronics, data acquisition and experimental automation.
• FPGA programming.
• Programming, numerical modelling, data analysis and control of complex experimental systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills in English.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures . The period of employment is two years. You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Professor Ulrik Lund Andersen at [email] . You can read more about DTU Physics at https://physics.dtu.dk/ .

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829 DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.