PhD in Entanglement Routing in Quantum Optical Fiber Networks

TU/e; Eindhoven; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Flexible working hours

Paid leave

Job summary

TU/e in Eindhoven invites a PhD candidate to design and build an entanglement‑based routing architecture for quantum optical networks. You will set up a multi‑node testbed, route entangled photons, and study coexistence with classical telecom traffic while validating theory with experiments.

The project is fully funded in collaboration with KPN, within the Smart Optical Networks Lab (SONL) of the Electro‑Optical Communication group.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in (applied) physics, electrical engineering, or related subjects.
• Solid background in fibre‑optic communication, quantum optics, and networks.
• Knowledge of Python.
• Experience setting up quantum optical communication experiments is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Set up an experimental testbed for multi-node quantum optical fibre networks.
• Investigate coexistence of classical telecom traffic and quantum signals.
• Combine theory and simulation studies with experimental validation.
• Collaborate with TU/e and industry partners on project milestones.

Skills

Quantum optics

Fibre-optic communication

Interdisciplinary teamwork

English fluency

Teaching skills

Research mindset

Python programming

Electronics/FPGA

Education

Master's degree in (applied) physics or electrical engineering

Tools

Python

FPGA

Job description

Job description

Are you passionate about building an entanglement‑based routing in quantum optical networks?

Join us to develop an innovative entanglement‑based routing architecture and protocol, and set up an experimental testbed to route entangled photons in the presence of classical telecom traffic in multi‑node quantum optical fibre networks.

Information

Efficient distribution and routing of entanglement are indispensable for quantum‑secure communication (e.g., advanced QKD networks), distributed quantum computing, quantum‑secure enterprise connectivity and quantum teleportation services across metropolitan or regional distances. However, unique features of quantum information, such as non‑amplification, no‑cloning, or measurement without altering the quantum states, make it difficult to re‑use the architecture and protocols of classical telecom networks for quantum communication and networking. In contrast to classical optical signals, quantum states are extremely fragile and degrade rapidly due to loss, noise, and decoherence, especially over long distances. As a result, conventional telecom solutions such as optical amplification, regeneration, and routing cannot be directly applied to quantum networks. Nevertheless, recent advances in quantum state generation and measurement have opened new opportunities for developing quantum network architectures and protocols for routing and teleportation, a critical enabler for quantum networks.

In this PhD project, you will set up an experimental testbed for a multi‑node quantum optical fibre network that enables entanglement generation and detection, frequency conversion, and entanglement routing of quantum‑classical packets between nodes connected by optical switches. Additionally, you will investigate the coexistence of classical telecom traffic and quantum signals and the effects of impairments such as noise and crosstalk. The project will combine theoretical and simulation studies and validate them with experimental studies. The project will leverage KPN’s expertise to address real‑world constraints—including scalability, interoperability, reliability, and manageability—while developing the telecom‑grade quantum networks.

The PhD position is fully funded by our industry partner (KPN) in Smart Optical Networks Lab (SONL) of the Electro‑Optical Communication group. The research activity of SONL covers a wide range of topics, including network design and software control, reconfigurable interconnects for telecom, datacentres, AI clusters, and quantum networks, down to heterogeneous photonic integrated circuits and systems for enabling low‑latency, fast network reconfiguration in real systems. Additionally, we focus on innovative solutions for switching and routing in secure quantum‑optical networks. The ECO group covers a wide range of topics from the Photonic layer to the Application layer of the communication system, and we also play a key role in the Casimir Institute at TU/e, and within the PhotonDelta and QuantumDelta growth fund program. Besides research you will also contribute to education within our group and the Department of Electrical Engineering and mentor BSc and MSc students during their research projects.

Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in (applied) physics, electrical engineering, or related subjects.
• Solid background in fibre‑optic communication, quantum optics, and networks.
• Knowledge of programming languages such as Python.
• Prior experience with setting up quantum optical communication and network experiments is an asset.
• A background in Electronics/FPGA is a plus.
• A research‑oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of employment

Fixed‑term contract: 4 years.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition, we offer you:

• Full‑time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months.
• You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four‑year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 gross base salary per month (full‑time)).
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year‑end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part‑time.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High‑quality training programs and other support to grow into a self‑aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on‑campus children's day care.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) for international candidates.
• On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment.
• Build on your career at TU/e!

Employer

TU/e We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands‑on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high‑tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community. Discover what Light Up means to TU/e in our short company video.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application‑oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built.

The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high‑tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.