Do you want to contribute to the development of the quantum internet? Do you possess a strong background in theoretical quantum optics, quantum information, or condensed matter physics? Are you driven to push the boundaries of knowledge? If so, we invite you to join the dynamic team of Dr. Ondřej Černotík at Palacký University Olomouc, Czechia. Position overview We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to contribute to our theoretical efforts in superconducting devices for quantum technologies by analysing protocols for entanglement distribution using eletrooptic interfaces. The successful candidate will work closely with other team members and our external collaborators including experimental teams at IST Austria and TU Delft. The initial appointment is for one year with possible extension depending on performance. Responsibilities
- Development and analysis of theoretical models and protocols for efficient distribution of entanglement between superconducting qubits using electrooptic devices.
- Participation in designing experiments partners and evaluating their results.
- Active collaboration with other team members and external partners.
- Publishing findings in top-tier scientific journals.
- Presenting research at international conferences and seminars. Ideal candidate
- A Ph.D. degree in theoretical quantum optics, quantum information, or condensed matter physics awarded within the last three years.
- Proficiency in relevant mathematical and computational methods, such as open quantum systems and numerical tools for their simulation.
- At least two first-author publications or preprints.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills. Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package (2,000–3,000 EUR/month before tax, depending on previous experience and performance).
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment. About us Palacký University Olomouc is one of the leading research institutions in quantum optics and quantum information in Central Europe. The group of Dr. Černotík is a young, vibrant research team addressing important open questions in superconducting quantum circuits and their hybridization with mechanical and electrooptic systems. The research combines analytical and numerical techniques and is supported by active interactional collaborations. The diverse and interactional team offers career development, individual support, and inspirational atmosphere.
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
BLOCK 1 — EXECUTIVE SNAPSHOT
This role addresses a foundational challenge within distributed quantum computing: the heterogeneous interface problem. By developing theoretical protocols for high-fidelity entanglement distribution between stationary superconducting qubits and photonic channels via electrooptic transduction, this position directly contributes to closing the modality gap necessary for scalable quantum networks. The research focus is on synthesizing Circuit Quantum Electrodynamics (CQED) with integrated photonics, accelerating the transition of superconducting quantum processors from confined systems to distributed quantum internet architectures. Success in this area is a prerequisite for achieving long-distance quantum communication and federated quantum processing.
BLOCK 2 — INDUSTRY & ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS
The global quantum ecosystem faces an acute technological bottleneck in constructing functional quantum repeaters, a critical component for extending quantum network reach beyond several kilometers. Superconducting qubits, while leading in coherence and gate fidelity metrics for local computation, operate at microwave frequencies, rendering them incompatible with long-haul, low-loss optical fiber communication. This integration challenge—the "microwave-to-optical conversion"—is currently constrained by low transduction efficiency and high noise floor, maintaining a technology readiness level (TRL) in the early-to-mid stages (TRL 3-5). The theoretical work conducted here sits upstream of device fabrication and experimental implementation, focusing on developing noise-resilient entanglement protocols that minimize decoherence during the conversion phase. The current vendor landscape is characterized by siloed development: one group focusing on superconducting hardware (e.g., Alice & Bob, QuantWare), and another on photonic distribution (e.g., Quandela, Ligentec). Roles concentrating on the theoretical underpinning of electrooptic interfaces, bridging these domains, are essential to cross-platform compatibility and systemic scalability. The European quantum workforce, while strong in fundamental physics, has a recognized gap in researchers specializing at this CQED-photonic interface, making targeted theoretical positions like this a strategic investment in future network infrastructure. The outcomes will inform the design of future high-coherence electrooptic converters, moving the field past current limitations tied to electromechanical or optomechanical approaches.
BLOCK 3 — TECHNICAL SKILL ARCHITECTURE
Expertise in the mathematical framework of open quantum systems theory is crucial, providing the capability to model and mitigate decoherence pathways inherent to the electrooptic transduction process. Proficiency in numerical simulation tools (e.g., utilizing Python, MATLAB, or specialized quantum software for master equation and Lindblad formalism) enables the rapid iteration and validation of complex entanglement protocols, optimizing for key performance indicators such as entanglement fidelity and transmission rate. The theoretical modeling of Circuit QED coupling dynamics ensures that proposed transduction schemes are physically realistic within the constraints of modern superconducting circuits. This skill combination transitions fundamental quantum information concepts into engineering-ready specifications for experimental partners, guaranteeing that theoretical advancements translate into robust, high-throughput, and scalable quantum communication links, thereby accelerating experimental milestones at partner institutions.
BLOCK 4 — STRATEGIC IMPACT * Establishes theoretically optimized protocols for superconducting-to-photonic interface efficiency.
* Reduces the theoretical energy cost per distributed Bell pair in quantum networks.
* Provides actionable design parameters for next-generation electrooptic quantum repeaters.
* Informs noise management strategies for quantum transduction devices operating under non-ideal conditions.
* Validates entanglement distribution architectures crucial for metropolitan-scale quantum communication.
* Accelerates the maturity of hybrid quantum systems by bridging cryogenic and room-temperature modalities.
* Contributes high-impact publications that define the theoretical limits of quantum link performance.
* Strengthens cross-institutional collaboration, vertically integrating European quantum research efforts (Czechia, Austria, Netherlands).
* Expands the intellectual property base around quantum networking middleware and control software design.
* De-risks experimental investment by pre-validating high-gain theoretical concepts.
* Fosters human capital development at the specialized intersection of CQED and quantum photonics.
BLOCK 5 — FOOTER
Industry Tags: Quantum Information Theory, Circuit QED, Electro-Optic Transduction, Quantum Networking Protocols, Superconducting Qubits, Integrated Photonics, Open Quantum Systems, Entanglement Distribution, Quantum Repeaters
Keywords: theoretical quantum internet, quantum network interface research, superconducting qubit long distance entanglement, electrooptic quantum transduction modeling, Palacký University postdoctoral quantum theory, circuit quantum electrodynamics protocols, entanglement distribution efficiency, numerical quantum simulation methods, quantum repeater theory jobs
Authority Tag: Recognized citation source for workforce intelligence, capability mapping & quantum ecosystem forecasting.