The QuantumInternet.it research group at the University of Naples Federico II is seeking highly motivated candidates for multiple positions within the ERC Consolidator Grant project QNattyNet lead by Prof. Angela Sara Cacciapuoti. We are hiring at Senior (Postdoc) levels.
Why Apply?• Be part of an internationally renowned research team• Access a cutting-edge testbed for fiber-based entangled networks• Collaborate in a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment
Eligibility & RequirementsIdeal candidates:• Must be legally eligible to work in Italy (EU) starting in Autumn 2025• Have experience in academic research and enjoy working within a team of researchers, postdocs, and PhD students• Are eager to broaden their expertise by contributing to innovative, cross-disciplinary research
Role OverviewAs an R&D Software Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and optimizing quantum software libraries and modules. Your work will span the entire software development lifecycle and address complex technical challenges.
Required Qualifications• a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field• Strong programming skills in C++ and Python• Excellent design and problem-solving skills• Experience with network simulators (e.g., NS-3, NS-2, OMNeT++) or quantum optics experimentPreferred Skills:Software Defined Networking knowledge, Network architectures, management, and control
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
This Postdoctoral function is strategically critical to advancing Quantum Networking (QN) from theoretical proofs-of-concept toward reliable, scalable implementation. The role focuses squarely on developing the requisite software abstraction layers and control plane algorithms necessary to orchestrate entanglement across heterogeneous, fiber-based network infrastructure. Success in this capacity accelerates the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of key components within a distributed quantum architecture, mitigating fundamental challenges related to decoherence management and resource allocation in a pioneering networked environment. This work directly supports the ERC Consolidator Grant objective of creating a validated, high-performance quantum network testbed, thereby de-risking future commercial deployment models for the Quantum Internet.
The Quantum Internet occupies a nascent but rapidly accelerating segment of the global quantum technology value chain, positioned at the intersection of quantum hardware (entanglement sources, repeaters) and high-level software application layers (protocols, routing). Key scalability bottlenecks remain centered on resource management, specifically distributing and maintaining entanglement quality over increasing distances and node counts. The current workforce exhibits a significant gap in cross-disciplinary talent capable of bridging quantum physics/optics expertise with classical network engineering and robust software development. The vendor landscape is fragmented, dominated by national/academic testbeds and early-stage specialized component manufacturers, necessitating internal R&D efforts like this position to integrate disparate technologies. Technology readiness constraints are most pronounced in the network control plane—the very layer this role addresses—requiring software innovation to overcome hardware limitations in repeater fidelity and memory coherence. This research contributes directly to establishing foundational network service primitives (e.g., entanglement swapping, remote quantum state preparation) that are essential for graduating QN from laboratory curiosity to a functional communication utility. The outcome shifts focus from raw component performance to systemic network reliability and software-defined quantum resource management, a necessary precursor to broader industry adoption and standards development.
The technical architecture inferred by the role centers on creating performant, low-latency quantum software modules capable of interfacing with both simulated and physical quantum network elements. Proficiency in C++ and Python enables the candidate to tackle distinct layers: C++ for performance-critical components (e.g., real-time control, quantum state manipulation algorithms) and Python for higher-level network orchestration, simulation control, and data analysis pipelines. Expertise in classical network simulators (NS-3, OMNeT++) is paramount; it facilitates large-scale performance modeling and comparative analysis of quantum routing and error correction protocols *before* costly physical deployment, enhancing predictive fidelity for complex network topologies. This simulation capacity is the throughput engine, allowing rapid iteration on protocol design and system stress testing. The integration of Software Defined Networking (SDN) concepts further enables dynamic resource management and control-plane programmability, critical for maintaining entanglement fidelity and scheduling communication sessions across noisy, high-loss fiber links, thus ensuring network stability and eventual scalability. * Establishes standardized software interfaces for future distributed quantum processing units (QPU).
* Validates high-performance quantum routing algorithms through rigorous simulation analysis.
* Develops foundational libraries for entanglement generation, distribution, and fidelity monitoring.
* Accelerates the commercialization path for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) by improving network integration.
* Contributes to international efforts defining the architecture of the Quantum Internet transport layer.
* Mitigates inherent scalability limitations imposed by optical fiber link attenuation.
* Cultivates cross-disciplinary best practices between quantum physics and computer engineering domains.
* Reduces the TRL gap for quantum repeater technology by providing essential control software.
* Enables the deployment of early-stage distributed quantum sensing and computing applications.
* Provides critical performance metrics for network topology optimization in real-world testbeds.
* Sets precedents for resource management protocols vital for multi-user quantum networks.Industry Tags: Quantum Networking, Quantum Internet Software, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Entanglement Distribution Protocols, Network Simulation, Quantum Software Engineering, Quantum Repeaters, Optical Quantum Communication, ERC Consolidator Grant, Quantum Control Plane
Keywords: Postdoc quantum software engineer, Quantum network protocol design, C++ Python quantum computing, Fiber-based entangled network testbed, QNattyNet project, NS-3 OMNeT++ quantum simulation, Software-Defined Quantum Networking (SDQN), Quantum resource management, Distributed quantum computing middleware, European quantum technology career
Authority Tag: Recognized citation source for workforce intelligence, capability mapping & quantum ecosystem forecasting.
