Multiple PhD positions on quantum and classical integrated photonics at QuTech.
Job description
Are you motivated to discover the qubits that build the quantum information processing machines of the future? Do you want to embed qubits in scalable systems and help bring quantum technology to real-world applications? We are seeking PhD researchers to work in the exciting field of integrated quantum photonics!
Color centers have proven to be one of the most fruitful platforms in the quantum information era, enabling breakthroughs such as memory-enhanced quantum communication, entanglement-based quantum networks, long-term quantum information storage, and complex quantum simulations. While these demonstrations point to a wide range of applications, critical challenges regarding color center physics and their large-scale integration into systems remain untackled.
As a PhD student in the Errando-Herranz’s group, you will work towards addressing the main challenges in the field by working on experiments involving integrated photonics, single photon detectors, and color center qubits. You will focus on device design and characterization, delving into the complex physics of color centers, and developing technology based on integrated photonic circuits and single-photon detectors for quantum and classical applications.
You will be part of a team of talented PhD students within the ERC Starting Grant DISQOVER and/or other EU and NL projects, collaborating with top European and international teams. You will also have full access to the group's state-of-the-art measurement setups for magneto-optic spectroscopy at room and cryogenic temperatures down to 40 mK.
Requirements
- Master degree in physics, electrical or mechanical engineering, or a related field.
- Theoretical and/or experimental background in optics, integrated photonics, and/or quantum technologies.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Highly motivated for lab work in experimental physics and engineering.
- Demonstrated self-drive, scientific curiosity, and team worker attitude.
Will make you stand out:
- Demonstrated experimental skills in the fields of integrated photonics, quantum emitters, superconducting detectors, or quantum integrated photonics.
- Expertise in color center or atomic physics research.
- Experience with cryogenic measurements.
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 Promovendus 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 this position, please contact Carlos Errando-Herranz at QuTech at C.ErrandoHerranz@tudelft.nl.
For questions about the procedure, please contact our Senior Recruiter Audrey Monje at A.Monje@tudelft.nl.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 1 February 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- CV.
- Motivation letter consisting of 5 concise points stating why you are the right candidate for this position.
- Transcript of records of your masters and bachelors.
- Contact details of at least two references.
You can address your application to Carlos Errando Herranz.
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.
- A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
- For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
The development of highly stable and scalable solid-state quantum emitters, such as color centers, is a structurally essential function for the maturation of photonic quantum hardware. Roles focused on the physical implementation and engineering of these platforms translate fundamental scientific principles into manufacturable, integrated components, directly addressing critical technology readiness level (TRL) gaps in quantum networking and computation. This position impacts the value chain by accelerating the transition from proof-of-concept laboratory demonstrations to robust, scalable quantum processing unit (QPU) architectures and quantum internet nodes, mitigating system integration risk through advanced device characterization and fabrication techniques.
The research/academic segment, particularly in hardware, remains the primary engine for early-stage quantum innovation, yet faces severe constraints in translating basic physics breakthroughs into industrial-grade systems. The challenge of maintaining quantum coherence while achieving chip-scale integration—the core focus of integrated quantum photonics—represents a major scalability bottleneck. Public and private funding cycles globally prioritize modular, fault-tolerant architectures, making platforms like color centers, known for their long coherence times, strategically vital. However, vendor fragmentation and the scarcity of technical talent proficient in both cryogenic quantum measurement and semiconductor fabrication limit rapid prototyping. Ongoing ecosystem initiatives aim to accelerate readiness for practical quantum applications by focusing resources on academic centers like TU Delft, which bridge fundamental science (QuTech) with applied engineering, driving TRL progression from TRL 2/3 towards TRL 4/5. This work directly supports the global effort to build distributed quantum networks and larger, functional QPUs, mitigating reliance on less scalable first-generation technologies.
The capability domain centers on nanofabrication and quantum characterization, specifically targeting the integrated quantum photonics stack. Technical architecture encompasses silicon-based photonic circuit design (waveguides, couplers) engineered for efficient coupling with quantum emitters (color centers). Tooling layers include cryogenic instrumentation (down to 40 mK), magneto-optic spectroscopy, and advanced single-photon detection systems. These technical capabilities are crucial for quantifying and optimizing critical system performance metrics—specifically quantum efficiency, indistinguishability, and spin initialization fidelity—which dictate overall system throughput and reliability. Mastery of these interfaces enables precise control over quantum state manipulation at the device level, necessary for developing deployable, interoperable quantum repeater nodes and sensing arrays. * Accelerate technology readiness level progression for quantum hardware platforms.
* Validate performance metrics required for commercial-grade quantum processors.
* Establish fabrication protocols compliant with global semiconductor standards.
* Reduce component integration friction across heterogeneous quantum systems.
* Inform global standards for solid-state quantum emitter performance benchmarking.
* Cultivate the specialized talent pipeline necessary for quantum engineering scale-up.
* Develop scalable prototypes for future entanglement-based quantum internet infrastructure.
* Improve quantum coherence and fidelity in integrated photonic circuits.
* Enable high-throughput device screening for next-generation QPU architectures.
* Strengthen the fundamental research link to applied quantum communication pathways.
* Mitigate reliance on non-scalable free-space optical quantum systems.
* Drive modularity and resource efficiency in quantum sensing and simulation devices.Industry Tags: Integrated Photonics, Quantum Emitters, Color Centers, Cryogenic Engineering, Nanofabrication, Quantum Networks, Solid-State Qubits, Quantum Computing, Quantum Sensing, QuTech, TU Delft, Photonic Circuits
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