Research Scientist in Quantum Photonic Integration

Toshiba EMEA; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Toshiba Europe Cambridge Research Lab is seeking a researcher to lead the development of photonic integrated circuits for next-generation quantum communications and networking systems. You will take ideas from chip concepts through validation and integration in deployable prototypes.

The role requires a PhD in a related field and a proven track record in photonics or quantum technologies. Collaboration with UK/Europe/Japan partners and mentoring PhD students are integral parts of the position.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Photonics, Electronic Engineering, or closely related field.
• Proven research experience in photonic integrated circuits or quantum technologies.
• Hands-on experience with photonic experiments and RF testing.
• Strong programming and data analysis skills (Python/MATLAB/LabVIEW).

Responsibilities

• Devise and implement new concepts for photonic chips for quantum communications.
• Conceive and implement experiments and protocols for quantum communications.
• Measure, characterize, validate and optimize photonic chips for large-scale deployment.
• Apply security analysis frameworks for QKD and quantum RNG to validate devices and systems.
• Develop high-performance quantum photonic system prototypes from chips to deployable packages.
• Collaborate across disciplines on packaging, interconnects, control, signal processing, software and firmware.
• Develop system control, automation, synchronization, simulation, and data analysis.
• Publish results and mentor PhD students and early-career researchers.

Skills

PIC design

Quantum communications

RF testing

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Physics or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Job description

Toshiba has been at the forefront of quantum communications technologies for over two decades, particularly in quantum cryptography and networking. Toshiba’s commercial quantum key distribution systems offer the highest key rates on the market and play a major role in the worldwide deployment of secure quantum networks.

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) have revolutionised photonic technologies such as coherent optical communications, sensing and computing. Over the past decade, their application to quantum technologies has been a strong catalyst for the miniaturisation and scalability of quantum systems, enabling compact, high-performance devices that are viable for commercialisation.

We invite talented researchers with expertise in photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and quantum technologies to join our Photonic Integration Team at Toshiba Europe’s Cambridge Research Lab. The successful candidate will lead the development of cutting‑edge photonic integrated circuits for next‑generation quantum communications and networking systems. The role spans from the conception of the photonic chips to their validation and integration in deployable system prototypes.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in photonic integrated circuits and/or quantum technologies, with a proven track record of delivering high‑impact research, the motivation to lead challenging research and development projects in a multidisciplinary environment, and the ability to work effectively with internal and external collaborators in a multidisciplinary environment. Research outcomes will be published in leading peer‑reviewed scientific journals and presented at major international conferences. Technology developments will directly contribute to Toshiba’s roadmap for the marketisation of chip‑based quantum communications products.

Responsibilities

Photonic chip development

• Devise and implement new concepts for photonic chips for quantum communications.
• Conceive and implement new experiments and new protocols for quantum communications.
• Measure, characterise, validate and optimise the performance of photonic chips and demonstrate their suitability for large‑scale deployment.
• Apply the security analysis frameworks for quantum key distribution and quantum random number generation to validate and benchmark photonic integrated devices and systems.

System integration

• Contribute to the development of high‑performance quantum photonic system prototypes based on photonic integrated circuits.
• Work within a multi-disciplinary team to develop innovative approaches for packaging and system integration of quantum photonic chips, including optical and electrical interconnects, electronic control, high‑speed signal processing, software and firmware.
• Develop system control, automation, synchronisation, simulation, and data analysis.

Collaboration & Dissemination

• Analyse experimental data and communicate findings through peer‑reviewed scientific publications, internal reviews, and major international conferences.
• Collaborate with industrial partners and academic groups across the UK, Europe, and Japan.
• Mentor PhD students and early‑career staff researchers.

Skills and Experience – Essential

• PhD in Physics, Photonics, Electronic Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Proven academic or industrial research experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Photonic integrated circuits, hybrid photonic integration, photonic device design, simulation, modelling, and characterisation.
  • Quantum communications, quantum key distribution (QKD), quantum networks, or quantum photonics.
  • High‑speed coherent optical communication systems.
  • Photonic packaging, micro‑optics, nanofabrication, or advanced photonic assembly technologies.
• Hands‑on experience in the development and operation of advanced photonic experimental setups and proficiency with RF test and measurement techniques.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or equivalent programming languages for laboratory automation, system control, simulation, and data analysis.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to identify technical challenges and develop creative and innovative solutions to overcome them.
• Demonstrated ability to recognise the potential value of novel physical phenomena, technologies, and concepts, and translate them into practical and commercially relevant solutions.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including scientific publications, technical presentations, technical reporting, and proposal writing.
• Proactive, highly organised, and capable of leading challenging technical projects to successful outcomes.

Skills and Experience – Desirable

• Experience with photonic foundry processes, PIC tape‑outs, and engagement with fabrication and integration partners.
• Experience with photonic integration platforms, including silicon photonics, silicon nitride, indium phosphide, lithium niobate and heterogeneous integration technologies.
• Experience with electronics development and system integration, including PCB design, FPGA programming, embedded systems, or high‑speed electronics.
• Theoretical knowledge of quantum key distribution, quantum information security, quantum networking, or quantum information processing.
• Experience generating intellectual property, including invention disclosures and patent applications.
• Strong publication record in leading peer‑reviewed journals and presentations at major international conferences.