Doctoral Candidate (PhD) Position in Quantum Networks

Delft University of Technology; Delft; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Delft University of Technology, via QuTech, invites applications for a Doctoral Candidate (PhD) position within the QUESTING MSCA Doctoral Network. The project aims to enhance entanglement quality in quantum networks with stays at UNINA (Italy) and EURECOM (France).

The successful candidate will join Tim Coopmans’ group to develop quantum networks and perform simulations, with a mobility rule and a 4-year employment contract, salary €3,204–€4,051 gross per month plus 8% holiday allowance and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Exposure to quantum computing or quantum information through coursework or equivalent experience is required.
• Mobility rule: applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate across disciplines at the intersection of quantum technology, quantum information and computer science.
• Expand, improve and evaluate tools for enhancing entanglement quality between network nodes.
• Perform simulation and analytical calculations; consider entanglement distillation and connections to error correction.

Skills

Communication skills

Willingness to learn

Education

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Physics, or closely related field

Job description

QuTech, the research center of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is hiring for a Doctoral Candidate (PhD) position in partnership with the Questing Doctoral Network.

The QUESTING Doctoral Network is a European doctoral training initiative funded by the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). The Doctoral Network’s aim is to address the major skills shortage in quantum technology by training researchers who will help build the future of secure and efficient communication networks: the Quantum Internet.

PhD project

Important the start date for this PhD is 1 st December 2026.

PhD Position Topic: Enhancing Entanglement Quality in Quantum Networks

We welcome applications for this Doctoral position whose goal is to expand, improve and evaluate our existing set of tools for improving the quality of entanglement between network nodes. Potential directions are improving techniques for entanglement distillation, potentially through a connection with error correction, and the use of discarding low-quality entanglement (cut-off time). We will use simulation and analytical calculation for doing so.

As part of the Doctoral Network collaboration his position includes research stays of few months at:

• University of Naples Federico II (UNINA), Italy.
• EURECOM, France.

In addition to these secondments, the position offers interdisciplinary training within the Doctoral Network.

Research groups

This project will be conducted within Tim Coopmans’ research group at QuTech, the quantum research institute of Delft University of Technology. The group focuses on the design of quantum networks and quantum circuits using techniques from (formal) computer science.

You will work closely with this growing team, where most members, including the first PhD candidates who joined in September last year, are at a similar stage of their research journey. The current group has a mixed BSc/MSc background, ranging from computer science to physics, electrical engineering and mathematics.

Job requirements

We are looking for a motivated and creative researcher interested in working at the intersection of quantum technology, quantum information, and computer science. The role involves collaborating across disciplines, with opportunities to develop new skills, broaden your expertise, and engage with researchers from diverse backgrounds. Good communication skills and a willingness to learn are important for working effectively within and beyond the consortium.

Candidates should hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Physics, or a closely related field. Exposure to quantum computing or quantum information through coursework or equivalent experience is required.

Please also note the ‘mobility rule’ below.

Funding requirements

This PhD position is funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network and is therefore subject to its mobility rule: applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work or studies) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to the recruitment date.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society.

QuTech

QuTech is a mission-driven research institute of TU Delft. Together we are working on a radical new technology with world-changing potential. We are developing scalable prototypes of a quantum computer and a secure quantum internet.

We believe quantum technology will be a game changer in many social and economic sectors - including health, agriculture, climate, and security. To achieve our ambitious goals, we bring scientists, engineers, and industry together in an inspiring environment, with plenty of room for ambition, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed.