Postdoctoral Researcher, Photonics for Quantum

VTT; Espoo; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Job summary

VTT is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join our Quantum Photonics team in Espoo. You will develop research and commercial projects, build our project portfolio, and pursue funding to advance quantum-enabled photonics with industry partners.

You will collaborate across academia and industry, publish results, and mentor junior researchers while contributing to cutting-edge QPIC development. This role emphasizes innovation, teamwork, and a strong publication record.

Qualifications

• You have recently earned a doctoral degree in photonics, physics, electronics or a closely related field.
• You have several years of work experience and a track record in integrated photonics, preferably including QPICs.
• You have excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• Knowledge of detectors, fast EO modulators, and quantum optics is a strong plus.
• Industry experience or collaboration with industrial players is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Managing and developing a research portfolio on integrated photonics supporting quantum technologies.
• Optical and electro-optical characterization of active PICs.
• Wafer-scale fabrication process development and integration for QPICs.
• Identify new research opportunities and foster industry-academia collaborations.
• Build knowledge base on device and system level QPICs within the team.
• Initiate bringing in new project opportunities and co-write projects.
• Collaborate in research teams with project work and co-authorship.
• Disseminate results via journal publications and conference presentations.
• Supervise and mentor junior team members.

Skills

Integrated photonics

QPICs experience

English communication

Research project management

Industry collaboration

Education

Doctoral degree in photonics/physics/electronics

Job description

Are you interested in integrated photonics and quantum technologies and looking for a new job opportunity in the field? Would you like to develop innovative technology with superb colleagues who are top experts in their field? Do you want to build an excellent science career and work at the interface of academy and industry? Are you enthusiastic about working with fascinating projects in the state-of-the‑art research facilities? VTT might be just the place for you.

If you are an international talent searching for a new opportunity, read more about the benefits of living in Finland and VTT’s support for relocation here !

VTT is one of the leading applied research organisations in Europe. What unites us are curiosity, a passion for learning and a purpose: to solve the biggest challenges of our time and turn them into sustainable growth and well‑being. Our cross‑disciplinary community of over 2000 brilliant minds from 55+ different nationalities focuses on creating impact through science‑based innovation. Get to know us further by exploring VTT's tech & infra.

We are now looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join our Quantum Enabling team.

Our Quantum Photonics team provides photonics solutions for a variety of quantum technologies, including photonic quantum computers, superconducting quantum computers, quantum sensing, and quantum communication. Our focus is on quantum photonics integrated circuits (QPICs), where we develop key building blocks for quantum technologies. Such developments are made in close collaboration with our academic partners along the lines agreed with our industrial partners. The ultimate goal is to build critical QPIC building blocks for quantum technologies. As a Postdoctoral Researcher at VTT, you are able to make an impact on our customers and society. Our researchers work closely together with industry, often in interdisciplinary research groups. VTT has excellent research infrastructure and internal services to support your research work.

As a Postdoctoral Researcher

You will have an essential role in developing, planning and carrying out research and commercial projects and applying for research funding. You will be responsible for building our project portfolio and developing substance knowledge and competence for our organisation’s and customers’ needs. You’ll have an active role in customer relations, and you will use your vision to develop excellence in the field of photonics and quantum.

• Managing and developing a research portfolio on integrated photonics supporting quantum technologies
• Optical and Electro‑optical characterization of active PICs
• Wafer scale fabrication process development and process integration for QPICs
• Actively look for new research opportunities, collaboration with industries and build a strong network with academy and industry within the field.
• Building knowledge base on device and system level QPICs within the team
• Initiation in bringing in new project opportunities
• Collaborating in research team and project group with co‑writing and project work
• Participating actively in dissemination with journal publications and in conference presentations
• Supervising and tutoring junior team members

Who we are looking for:

• You have recently (max 5 years ago) gained your doctoral degree in photonics, physics, electronics or closely similar field.
• You have several years of work experience and track record in integrated photonics, preferably including QPICs.
• You have excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• Knowledge of design, fabrication, and characterization of detectors and fast EO modulators is a strong plus.
• Strong background on quantum optics is seen as an asset. Previous experience in industry or close collaboration with industrial players is seen as a plus.
• A further benefit is knowledge about the interactions between research and business.

As a person, we hope that you are:

• Results‑oriented and proactive, with the initiative to drive work forward and deliver results.
• A strong communicator and collaborator, able to efficiently interact with your colleagues and with people from different fields.
• An enthusiastic outside‑the‑box thinker. You enjoy challenges and learning new things and have a strong passion for science and research and development.
• An open‑minded and innovative person with a vision of longer‑term research needs.
• Eager to work with new topics and methods, even out of your comfort zone to achieve the set ambitious goals.

Deadline: 30 September 2026.

Interested and want to hear more?

For further information, please contact Research Team Leader Sara Pourjamal, [e-mail]

We look forward to hearing from you!

VTT Location: Tietotie 3