PhD position in Quantum Computing Technology at IFAE

IFAE; Cerdanyola del Vallés; On-site; EUR 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Predoctoral contract

Full-time 40h/week

Travel to infrastructures

Job summary

IFAE invites applications for a PhD position in Quantum Computing Technology. The successful candidate will join the Quantum Computing Technology group to learn superconducting qubit device design, fabrication, cryogenics, microwave engineering, and signal processing.

The appointment includes a 6‑month practical training contract followed by a 4‑year predoc contract. It is a full‑time position (40 h/week) with salary in line with IFAE scales.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in quantum physics or equivalent required.
• Experience with superconducting qubits, dilution refrigerators, or qubit-control electronics valued.
• Strong English skills; international experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Join the QCT group and train in superconducting qubit device design and fabrication.
• Work in cryogenics, microwave engineering, signal processing, and coding.
• Contribute to experimental programs and collaborative quantum technology research.

Skills

Quantum physics MSc

Superconducting qubits

Dilution refrigerators

Qubit control electronics

Cleanroom fabrication

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree in quantum physics

Job description

Open Position PhD position in Quantum Computing Technology at IFAE

Opening Date: October 6, 2026

Closing Date: Until Filled

Ref: IFAE2026/40_QCT_PhDStudent

About IFAE

The Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) is a public consortium of the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Autonomous Government of Catalonia, and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB, a public university) whose main objective is to carry out research and to contribute to the development of high energy physics from a theoretical, experimental and technological point of view. IFAE has the status of a “University Institute" attached to the UAB and its premises are within the campus of the University.

About The Quantum Computing Technology Group

In 2019, IFAE started a new line on quantum computation with superconducting circuits, the Quantum Computing Technology group, to study the implications of this emerging technology in different areas of particle physics.

The Quantum Computing Technology (QCT) group at IFAE hosts a complete laboratory to perform experiments controlling superconducting qubits, including dilution refrigerators, and instrumentation for microwave signal generation and acquisition. The group also has access to a metal evaporator exclusively used to produce superconducting quantum devices. The QCT group has already demonstrated coherent control of superconducting qubits and is developing its own program on coherent quantum annealing through the EuroQHPC-Integration program. In parallel, a line of operating qubits as detectors is being carried out within the Quantera project QRADES. In addition, the QCT group is a partner in the EU SUPREME consortium to realize the implementation of a European foundry of superconducting quantum devices.

Required Skills And Evaluation Criteria

The successful candidate will be expected to have:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in quantum physics.
• Prior experience with superconducting qubits, operation of dilution refrigerators, qubit-compatible control electronics (microwaves, fast pulsing, low noise signal processing), or device fabrication in cleanroom environments will be highly valued.
• A good level of English, with (optional but valued) international experience.

The evaluation criteria and their weighting for the submitted applications will be the following:

• Background knowledge in physics and quantum physics, particularly in superconducting qubits 30
• Background knowledge in qubit-compatible laboratory techniques, including software programming 30
• Background knowledge in cleanroom and fabrication techniques 30
• High level of English, internationalization 10

What will be your role?

The candidate will join one of the teams at QCT group, and they will be trained in superconducting qubit device design and fabrication techniques, as well as laboratory methods in cryogenics, microwave engineering, signal processing and coding.

Offered contract

• Employment contract for practical training (maximum 6 month) + Predoctoral Contract (4 years).
• The position will correspond to “Researcher Technician” in a 6-month contract, and Predoctoral Researcher (R1) in a 4-year contract within the professional categories of the IFAE.
• Full-time contract (40h/week).
• Salary: In accordance with the IFAE salary scales applicable to the position.
• The selected candidates are expected to join the IFAE as soon as possible.
• Work with exciting experimental science. Travelling to scientific singular infrastructures. Opportunity to gain experience learning first‑hand. Personal growth, innovation, and learning every day.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

IFAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace and social integration of people with a disability. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. People from groups that are typically underrepresented in the labour market in general and in Science and Engineering in particular, such as women, minorities, or people with a disability, are particularly encouraged to apply.

A Selection Committee will evaluate the received applications. If more than one candidate seems equally suitable for the position, the Selection Committee will arrange an on‑line interview with each one of them as part of the Selection process.

In compliance with article 121 of the Spanish Public Sector Legal Regime Act, staff with a pre-existing relationship with the Consortium administration (Generalitat de Catalunya and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) will have priority in the awarding of the position.

You may contact Pol Forn ([e-mail]) for any questions related to this job opening.