Summary
The Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is offering a fully funded 4-year PhD position within the Smart Optical Networks Lab (SONL) of the Electro-Optical Communication (ECO) group, Department of Electrical Engineering. Funded by industry partner KPN, this research project focuses on designing entanglement sources, routing architectures, protocols, and experimental testbeds for multi-node quantum networks operating alongside classical optical telecom traffic.
PhD Position in Entanglement Generation and Routing in Multi-Node Quantum Networks (TU/e) Netherlands
Designation
PhD Candidate / Doctoral Researcher
Overview
| Parameter | Details |
| Position Title | PhD in Entanglement Generation and Routing in Multi-Node Quantum Networks |
| Institution | Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) |
| Department / Group | Department of Electrical Engineering, Smart Optical Networks Lab (SONL) |
| Location | Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands |
| Employment Type | Full-time, 1.0 FTE (4 years) |
| Remuneration / Salary | Scale P (€3,204 – €4,051 gross per month) + 8.3% year-end bonus + 8% annual vacation pay |
| Reference Number | 2026/464 |
| Published Date | July 22, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | September 22, 2026 |
Research Area
- Quantum Optics & Quantum Communication
- Quantum Network Architecture & Entanglement Routing
- Photonics & Electro-Optical Systems
- Coexistence of Quantum Signals & Classical Telecom Infrastructure
Location
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
Brainport Eindhoven Region, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands
Eligibility / Qualification
- Education: Master’s degree (or equivalent university degree) in (Applied) Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Core Knowledge: Solid foundation in quantum optics, quantum mechanics, and photonics.
- Programming Skills: Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and MATLAB.
- Language Requirement: Fluent spoken and written English (C1 level).
- Preferred Experience: Prior hands-on experience in setting up quantum communication/network experiments and a background in electronics are considered strong assets.
- Competencies: Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within an international, interdisciplinary team.
Job Description
- Core Research Tasks: Design an entanglement source, routing architecture, protocols, and an experimental testbed that distributes and routes entangled photons in the presence of classical telecom traffic.
- Investigation & Modeling: Study time-bin entanglement generation and detection, network protocols, and real-world optical impairments such as noise, crosstalk, decoherence, and channel losses.
- Methodology: Combine theoretical studies, simulation tools, and laboratory experimental validation.
- Industry Collaboration: Partner with telecommunication provider KPN to address real-world constraints including scalability, interoperability, reliability, and network manageability.
- Teaching & Supervision: Allocate 10% to 15% of working hours to educational responsibilities and mentoring BSc and MSc research students within the Department of Electrical Engineering.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the TU/e Vacancy Portal. Applications submitted via email or regular mail will not be considered.
Required Application Documents:
- Cover Letter: Explaining your motivation and relevant qualifications for this research project.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed CV including your publication list and contact details for three academic/professional references.
Last Date to Apply
September 22, 2026
