Join Prof. Dr. Stephanie Wehner 's group and work at the forefront of Quantum Technologies.
Job Description
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.
Join us and apply for one of the two available PhD positions below!
1. Quantum Network Systems
The goal of this position is to optimize the design of our quantum network operating system for deployment and operation on a real-world quantum network prototype, build by the Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA) collaboration.
The successful candidate enjoys experimenting with different approaches, and is excited by quantum network systems research that works towards bringing quantum network technologies into the real world. The successful candidate thrives in QIA’s large multi-disciplinary collaboration, and is eager to take ownership of their role in building QIA's prototype quantum network.
The successful applicant has a background in computer science, computer engineering or related fields, with an emphasis on software systems. Prior expertise in operating systems is desirable. Prior knowledge in quantum technologies is a plus, but not required.
2. Quantum Network Applications
The goal of this PhD position is to explore new applications and use cases for quantum networks. The successful candidate is motivated by the challenge of making quantum networks useful for society, and thrives on engaging with diverse academic and/or industrial fields to uncover impactful applications.
Prior expertise in quantum technologies is desirable.
Requirements
- Master's degree in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, physics 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.
- English proficiency required.
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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
QuTech
QuTech is a mission-driven research institute of TU Delft. Together we are working on a radical new technology with world-changing potential. We are developing scalable prototypes of a quantum computer and a secure quantum internet.
We believe quantum technology will be a game changer in many social and economic sectors - including health, agriculture, climate, and security. To achieve our ambitious goals, we 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, 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 €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
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 a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website 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.
Additional information
For more information about the PhD positions, please contact Prof. Stephanie Wehner at S.D.C.Wehner@tudelft.nl.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 12 January 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- A cover letter addressed to Prof. Dr. Stephanie Wehner, explaining your personal motivation in pursuing a PhD, and applying for this particular PhD Position. Please indicate which of the two PhD positions you are applying for.
- Contact info of three references.
- A CV, which should include details of your eligibility, as well as a list of previous projects and/or publications. Links to github, or other online materials are encouraged.
- Transcripts of records including classes and grades obtained (BSc and MSc).
- A PDF of your master thesis or other project report.
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 Schools Admission Requirements.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
BLOCK 1 — EXECUTIVE SNAPSHOT
These doctoral research positions address the fundamental architectural and utility challenges confronting the nascent Quantum Internet ecosystem. Success in developing quantum network operating systems (QNOS) and identifying high-impact quantum application protocols is critical for progressing the quantum value chain beyond isolated computing nodes. The dual focus—on the systems-level infrastructure for orchestrating entanglement distribution and on the application-level protocols that justify global deployment—establishes a necessary bridge between theoretical physics and deployable, real-world communication utility. These roles directly de-risk the transition of quantum networking technology from laboratory demonstrator to continental-scale infrastructure.
BLOCK 2 — INDUSTRY & ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS
The current quantum ecosystem is heavily skewed toward quantum computation, leaving the networking layer as a critical, underdeveloped bottleneck for achieving distributed quantum computing and unforgeable quantum security. The Quantum Internet is currently at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3-4 (experimental proof-of-concept), requiring robust engineering to reach TRL 7 (prototype deployment). This transition is hindered by the scarcity of expertise at the quantum-classical interface, particularly engineers proficient in translating low-level quantum mechanical primitives into reliable, fault-tolerant network services. The systems position specifically tackles the missing Quantum Network Operating System (QNOS), an abstraction layer vital for managing entanglement resources and coordinating quantum memory, similar to how traditional OS abstracts hardware for classical computation. The applications role addresses the TRL-gap in market-driven utility; without proven, high-value use cases (e.g., enhanced sensor networks, quantum money protocols, secure distributed computation), commercial and governmental investment in the network infrastructure will stagnate. The existing vendor landscape is highly fragmented, necessitating academic leadership—such as that provided by TU Delft and the QIA collaboration—to establish foundational architectural standards and interoperability protocols before mass deployment becomes feasible.
BLOCK 3 — TECHNICAL SKILL ARCHITECTURE
These roles collectively require a mastery of distributed systems engineering overlaid with foundational quantum information science. The QNOS stream necessitates deep capability in real-time operating systems design, kernel-level optimization, resource virtualization, and complex error handling, specifically relating to decoherence and loss management in quantum channels (e.g., fiber optics, free space links). This mandates expertise in software stack layers that ensure consistency, throughput, and state synchronization across physically disparate quantum memories and repeaters. The Applications stream requires proficiency in quantum algorithm design (e.g., quantum key distribution variants, quantum distributed computing) and systems modeling, utilizing tools like NetSquid or similar quantum network simulators. The core engineering outcome across both streams is the creation of deployable, high-reliability software architectures that minimize latency and maximize the fidelity of entanglement swapping over geographical distances, proving that network scalability is not exclusively limited by hardware fidelity.
BLOCK 4 — STRATEGIC IMPACT * Enables the transition of QIA's prototype network from a research testbed to a deployable, scalable infrastructure.
* Establishes the first architectural standards for quantum network resource management and control plane operation.
* Accelerates the maturity of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) by providing network-level orchestration services.
* Unlocks novel applications in secure communication and distributed quantum sensing previously impossible with classical networks.
* Mitigates the critical quantum networking talent gap by training specialists in the complex system integration required for TRL progression.
* Provides quantitative metrics for benchmarking the performance and resilience of long-distance quantum links.
* Contributes to the foundational open-source toolchains necessary for future quantum networking software development.
* Defines the economic and societal value propositions for the first generation of metropolitan quantum networks.
* Drives standardization efforts in quantum communication protocols at international bodies.
* Validates the feasibility of secure, multi-party quantum computation across geographically dispersed quantum processing units.
* Informs national policy and investment strategies regarding next-generation European quantum infrastructure.
* Develops simulation and modeling frameworks that reduce the cost and time required for hardware iteration.
BLOCK 5 — FOOTER
Industry Tags: Quantum Networking, Quantum Internet Alliance, Quantum Network Operating System (QNOS), Entanglement Distribution, Quantum Applications, Distributed Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication Protocols, Quantum Middleware, Superconducting Qubits, Quantum Software Stack, Network Systems Architecture, Quantum Repeater Technology, Photonic Systems Integration, Network Emulation
Keywords: PhD Quantum Networks, Quantum Internet research jobs, TU Delft QuTech PhD, Quantum Network Systems Engineer, Quantum Applications Architect, Quantum Key Distribution implementation, Quantum network middleware development, Entanglement swapping optimization, Quantum system integration Europe, Quantum software modeling careers, Prof. Stephanie Wehner group, Job Quantum Communications
Authority Tag: Recognized citation source for workforce intelligence, capability mapping & quantum ecosystem forecasting.
