We have open PhD positions at TU Delft in the exciting new area of Quantum Computer Science for Quantum Networks. Quantum Networks and their real-world realization pose a host of new Computer Science challenges, which we strive to address! Specifically, positions are available in the following areas:

1. Quantum Network Architectures, including the design and analysis of large-scale quantum network architectures (incl. protocols and algorithms) using both analytical methods and/or numerical simulation. Development of these architectures and algorithms is key to distributed quantum application deployment.
2. Quantum Network Systems, including the design and implementation of quantum network operating system concepts on state-of-the-art quantum hardware comprising a small network of quantum processors. Students have an opportunity to closely collaborate with TU Delft experimentalists who are actively developing this hardware on campus.

Applications can be submitted at any time as the job description will remain online until all positions are filled. Applications are evaluated at the end of each month with interviews to be conducted in the following month. Starting date is flexible.

Quantum Networks

The vision of a Quantum Internet is to provide fundamentally new internet technology by enabling quantum communication between any two points on Earth. Such a Quantum Internet will – in synergy with the ‘classical’ Internet that we have today – connect quantum processors in order to achieve unparalleled capabilities that are provably impossible using only classical communication.

In the Quantum Internet Alliance, we are working on making such a network a reality. As part of this effort, we are working on an architecture to control and program quantum networks including distant quantum processors. This is made challenging both by fundamental differences between classical and quantum information, as well as technological limitations of near-term quantum devices. Right now, we have only a basic first system that allows us to execute quantum programs on a network of quantum processors.

The positions are located in the groups of Profs. Stephanie Wehner and Gayane Vardoyan, and interact with the Quantum Internet Alliance, which is working towards building a real world prototype network. As such, it offers the opportunity to conduct work leading to real world implementations on state-of-the-art quantum hardware, in collaboration with experimental physics and engineering teams. At Delft University of Technology, our groups are part of QuTech’s Quantum Internet Division, as well as the Section of Quantum Computer Science in EEMCS.

Requirements

• You have a master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, applied mathematics, or comparable discipline at the time of taking on the position. While a prior course in quantum information is a plus, no prior knowledge in quantum information is required.
• You enjoy working in a team and bring excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.

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. For more details please check the Graduate School’s Admission Requirements.

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 € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. 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 sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft 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. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. Challenge. Change. Impact!

Quantum Computer Science in Delft

Quantum Computer Science (QCS) is a growing subdivision of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science (EEMCS) at TU Delft. QCS’ mission is to endow society with the full potential of quantum technologies. In view of this endeavor, QCS values research in all areas of quantum computing, quantum information, and quantum communication with a special focus on making quantum technologies a practical reality. QCS is part of QuTech — a leading institution in the development of a Quantum Internet and a Quantum Computer. This allows for close collaboration of QCS members with physicists and engineers at QuTech who build real-world quantum hardware, thus enabling opportunities of conducting research on all levels of the stack.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please press the apply button below and upload the following documents. A pre-Employment screening can be part of the selection procedure

• A cover letter explaining your personal motivation in pursuing a PhD, including how you see the PhD fitting into your career trajectory;
• Contact info of three references
• A CV, which should include details of your eligibility;
• Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc);
• Other information for consideration, e.g., master thesis, scientific publications, professional or popular science writing