Research Scientist/Senior Scientist, Photonics for Quantum

Karlstad University; Espoo; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

VTT invites researchers to join the Quantum Enabling team as Research Scientist/Senior Scientist focusing on photonics for quantum technologies. You will develop QPIC building blocks, collaborate with industry partners, and contribute to advancing quantum photonics across research and application areas.

You will lead projects, explore new opportunities, and mentor junior staff while leveraging VTT’s extensive facilities and international network.

Qualifications

• PhD in photonics or closely related field.
• Experience in industry or close collaboration with industry partners.
• Strong background in integrated photonics and QPICs.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop a research portfolio on integrated photonics supporting quantum technologies.
• Characterize optical and electro-optical active PICs.
• Develop wafer-scale fabrication processes and integration for QPICs.
• Seek new research opportunities and build national/EU networks with academia and industry.
• Collaborate in research teams and supervise junior members.

Skills

Integrated photonics

Quantum photonics

Detectors design

EO modulators

English communication

Education

PhD in photonics/quantum/physics/electronics

Job description

Research Scientist/Senior Scientist, Photonics for Quantum

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 timeand 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 Research Scientist/Senior Scientist 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 Research Scientist/Senior Scientist , 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.

Asa Research Scientist/Senior Scientist

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.

Your responsibilities include:

• 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 national and EU 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
• Supervising andtutoring junior team members.

Who we are looking for:

• You have doctoral degree in photonics, quantum, physics, electronics or closely similar field.
• You have +5 years work experience in industry or close collaboration with industrial players and track record in integrated photonics, preferably including QPICs.
• Expert in design, fabrication, and characterization of detectors and fast EO modulators
• You have excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• Strong background on quantum optics is seen as an asset.
• 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.

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

Job details

Title

Research Scientist/Senior Scientist, Photonics for Quantum

2026-09-30 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki)
2026-09-30 22:59 (CET)

Closing on: 2026-09-30 (Europe/Helsinki)

VTT's task is to advance the utilisation and commercialisation of research and technology in commerce and society.