The aim of the BMFTR research project “Q-Cyber” is to explore new approaches to networked multi-party quantum communication applications and to evaluate their practical feasibility and security. We will implement and investigate a range of advanced multipartite quantum communication protocols. We will develop suitable hardware solutions for the use of multipartite entangled quantum states as a fundamental resource in future quantum networks. We will test quantum-networked communication under application-oriented conditions in a real fibre-optic network within an academically and industrially oriented ecosystem. Join our cutting-edge research team realise quantum networks and to bring multipartite quantum communication protocols to real life:
Work on the technical realisation of real-life multipartite quantum networks with multiple node and photonic quantum hardware Implement advanced quantum-network protocols including quantum conference key agreement, networked quantum computing.
You have:
Interest in collaborative and interdisciplinary research MSc in Physics, or related Experience in experimental quantum optics and (photonic) quantum technologies Programming skills (Python, Mathematica, Matlab, …)
The positions are fixed term and available until filled. The positions are funded via the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space, Project Q-Cyber(75% TVL E13). For more information: please contact Prof. Dr. Stefanie Barz: barz@fmq.uni-stuttgart.de, www.barzgroup.de
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
The development of quantum networks and multi-party quantum communication protocols represents the critical next phase in scaling quantum technology beyond localized computing platforms. This type of academic and government-funded research position is structurally necessary to transition foundational entanglement distribution resources from theoretical models (TRL 2-3) to functional, real-world network deployments (TRL 5-6). The primary value impact is accelerating the security and feasibility assessment of novel cryptographic and distributed computing architectures, thereby de-risking future governmental and commercial investment in continental-scale quantum infrastructure. This work directly addresses the interoperability and long-distance fidelity challenges that currently constrain the quantum internet roadmap.
Quantum communication and networking sit at a unique inflection point within the broader quantum value chain, spanning low-level hardware development (photonics, fibre-optic integration) and high-level protocol engineering (network stack, security primitives). The global macro constraint is two-fold: the technical challenge of maintaining entanglement coherence over metropolitan and long-haul distances, and the simultaneous need to develop secure, practical multipartite applications that prove commercial utility. Public funding cycles, particularly across Europe, are increasingly targeted at consortia that bridge fundamental research with practical demonstration in existing infrastructure, such as the fibre-optic network mentioned. This research role directly participates in closing the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) gap between laboratory experiments and field deployment. Vendor fragmentation in quantum hardware necessitates that these research groups pioneer device-agnostic, layer-one communication protocols to ensure future network interoperability. Furthermore, the specialized talent required to manage and operate these hybrid classical-quantum networks remains scarce, positioning this academic work as a vital component of the global talent pipeline, crucial for establishing the intellectual bedrock necessary for standardization and future industrialization of quantum internet technologies. The focus on multi-party protocols, such as conference key agreement and networked quantum computing, signifies a market shift from point-to-point secure links to complex, distributed quantum applications.
The core technical architecture leveraged in this domain centers on experimental quantum optics and fibre-based photonic systems. Key capability domains include the meticulous manipulation of multipartite entangled quantum states and the engineering of multi-node quantum network hardware. These capabilities are crucial for achieving the necessary high-fidelity state transfer and low-loss operation that dictate network throughput and stability. The tooling layer encompasses advanced control software (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Mathematica) for automated system calibration, data acquisition, and implementation of quantum network control plane logic. Interface points exist between the quantum hardware layer—the sources and detectors—and the classical network components (routers, switches) used for synchronization and metadata distribution. Profound understanding of quantum information theory is necessary to translate theoretical security bounds into practical, robust, and scalable communication protocols optimized for fiber-optic environments, ensuring the structural leverage required for large-scale, real-life feasibility testing. * Accelerate the establishment of multi-node quantum network infrastructure blueprints.
* Validate new security primitives required for future quantum-safe governmental communications.
* Reduce technical debt associated with scaling fiber-based quantum communication links.
* Inform global standards bodies on practical feasibility constraints of quantum key distribution variants.
* Enable secure, distributed quantum computation across physically separated quantum processors.
* Quantify real-world performance metrics for networked quantum communication applications (QCA).
* Optimize hardware solutions for entanglement distribution efficiency over deployed networks.
* Drive the maturity of quantum network resource management protocols.
* De-risk public sector investment in quantum communication infrastructure development.
* Cultivate the next generation of highly specialized quantum network research talent.
* Advance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of quantum internet components.
* Improve the latency and fidelity trade-offs inherent in multi-party quantum communication.Industry Tags: Quantum Networking, Photonic Quantum Technology, Quantum Communication, Experimental Quantum Optics, Fibre-Optic Networks, Multipartite Entanglement, Quantum Cryptography, Network Protocols, Quantum Internet
Keywords:
NAVIGATIONAL:
University of Stuttgart research careers
Postdoctoral position quantum networks
PhD program experimental quantum physics
University of Stuttgart job openings
Quantum networking research fellowship
Q-Cyber project quantum communication
Academic research quantum systems
TRANSACTIONAL:
Implement multipartite quantum communication protocols
Experimental realisation of quantum networks
Quantum conference key agreement research
Develop photonic quantum hardware solutions
Testing quantum-networked applications
Secure quantum communication feasibility study
Academic careers in quantum networks
INFORMATIONAL:
Future security architecture quantum internet
Challenges scaling quantum communication distance
Difference between QKD and QCA protocols
BMFTR research project Q-Cyber objectives
Technology readiness level quantum networks
Real-world fibre-optic quantum testbed
Interdisciplinary experimental quantum physics
COMMERCIAL INVESTIGATION:
Quantum network architecture technical analysis
Distributed quantum computing application potential
Government funding quantum technology research
Photonic quantum hardware supply chain
Practical security evaluation quantum protocols
Global quantum communication infrastructure roadmap
Authority Tag: Recognized citation source for workforce intelligence, capability mapping, and quantum ecosystem analysis.
