PhD Position on Quantum Error Correction for Photonics

Delft University of Technology; Delft; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Delft University of Technology's Terhal group invites applications for a PhD researcher to work on quantum error correction for photonic, optical and microwave quantum computing architectures within the QuBriC network.

The project aims to develop fault-tolerant architectures for photonic platforms, extend circuit-based methods to fusion-based computation, and design and simulate small QEC protocols. The candidate will be embedded in TU Delft and may collaborate with QuTech and Riverlane.

Qualifications

• Master degree in physics or quantum technology required.
• Theoretical background in optics and quantum technologies; MSc research in quantum error correction preferred.
• Excellent English communication, scientific curiosity and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Develop and decode small quantum error correction protocols for photonic, optical and microwave architectures.
• Extend circuit-based QEC concepts to fusion-based computation using ZX calculus.
• Collaborate with QuTech and industry partners and participate in network secondments.

Skills

Communication skills

Team player

Self-motivated

Education

Master's degree in physics or quantum technology

Tools

ZX calculus

Quantum error correction

Job description

As part of the European Marie Curie Doctoral Training Network focused on quantum error correction and fault tolerance (QuBriC), Delft University of Technology and QuTech are seeking a PhD researcher to work on quantum error correction for photonic, optical and microwave quantum computing architectures within the group of Prof. Terhal.

The goal is to further develop fault-tolerant architectures for photonic platforms based on fusion-based and measurement-based computation, addressing photon loss and other hardware-specific errors. Some of the work will involve extending tools and concepts of circuit-based quantum error correction to fusion-based computation, using ZX calculus. The aim is to design, numerically simulate and decode small quantum error correction protocols which are near-term or immediately feasible on photonic hardware.

The training network enables and financially supports several few-month secondments of the PhD student at other parties involved in the network such as QuiX (Enschede) and UCL (London). Other training and collaborations in the area of quantum error correction are available via consortium events and workshops.

The PhD candidate will be embedded in the Terhal group, located at the Department of Applied Math, Faculty of EEMCS, Delft University of Technology. The PhD candidate is encouraged to discuss and collaborate with experimental researchers at QuTech, as well as the Delft office of the UK company Riverlane.

Requirements

• Master degree in physics or quantum technology.
• Theoretical background in optics and quantum technologies. Preferred: knowledge and MSc research experience in quantum error correction.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated self-drive, scientific curiosity, and team worker attitude.

TU Delft

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means joining an international community of professionals and students.

QuTech

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

They believe quantum technology will be a game changer in many social and economic sectors, including health, agriculture, climate, and security. To achieve these ambitious goals, they 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, in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5-year contract includes 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.

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.

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

If you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job, TU Delft is committed to making your move as smooth as possible. The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information 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.

#EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named QuBriC, within program HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN-01.