Come join QuTech and create the Quantum Future!
Are you interested in experimental quantum optics and information science? Would you like to work on groundbreaking physics experiments with real-world applications for quantum networks? If so, keep reading!
Job description
In the future, quantum networks could change the way we communicate, run apps in the cloud, and help scientific tools and sensors. To build such quantum networks, nodes based on solid-state emitters are promising contenders. One specific type of solid-state emitters, rare-earth ions (REIs) in host crystals, are particularly interesting. Because of their internal atomic structure, REIs can serve as excellent qubits, with long coherence time and emission in the visible and NIR spectrum. In the last few years, a lot of research has been done on proving REIs as qubits, including showing remote entanglement and quantum teleportation.
We are looking for PhD students to join the Hermans Lab and take the next step and build a next-generation quantum network. Can we control multiple of these REIs within the same chip and perform two-qubit gates between them? Using such coupled emitters, is it possible to run advanced entanglement protocols that can generate better entangled states faster? This research will open up many new interesting physics experiments, for example, generating spin-photon cluster states.
What will you be doing?
As a team member of Hermans Lab, you will be involved in all parts of the experimental process: From designing and fabricating nanophotonic structures, building an optical low-temperature setup, performing experiments, and simulating spin dynamics. Next to this, you will have the opportunity to build expertise in quantum optics and information, and to develop mentorship skills by guiding MSc and BSc students.
You will be part of a collaborative and supportive research environment at the heart of the Delft University campus. Our team values diversity and fosters an inclusive, international culture. Beyond research, you will have plenty of opportunities to connect through social activities, such as our annual retreat, the Christmas party, and the summer BBQ—all accompanied by live music from our own QuTech bands!
Requirements
We are seeking not only dedicated future scientists but also individuals who thrive in a team-oriented environment, where passion and commitment go hand in hand.
- MSc degree in (Applied) Physics or Quantum Science and Technology.
- Strong interest in quantum optics and information science.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Ability to collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
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.
Have a look at our video and get a glimpse of QuTech.
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
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Sophie Hermans at s.l.n.hermans@tudelft.nl.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 12 April 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- CV
- Motivational letter
- Contact of 2 references will be asked at a later stage of the process.
You can address your application to Sophie Hermans.
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
The experimental research role specializing in rare-earth ion emitters represents a critical vertical in the quantum networking value chain, addressing the structural requirement for high-coherence, telecom-compatible hardware nodes. As the global quantum ecosystem transitions from proof-of-concept demonstrations to the development of scalable, multi-node architectures, the ability to control and entangle solid-state qubits becomes a primary determinant of network throughput and reliability. This role type exists to bridge the Technology Readiness Level gap between fundamental quantum optics and the deployment of integrated nanophotonic devices. Verifiable market signals indicate that the maturation of long-distance quantum communication is currently bottle-necked by the scarcity of "quantum-ready" materials and the complexity of spin-photon interfacing. By advancing the deterministic control of multiple emitters on a single chip, this role facilitates the architectural shift toward complex spin-photon cluster states and high-fidelity entanglement distribution. Consequently, this role serves as a foundational layer for the future "Quantum Internet," translating complex atomic physics into the hardware building blocks necessary for secure, global-scale information transfer.
The quantum technology sector is currently navigating a pivotal shift from isolated laboratory experiments to the establishment of standardized, interconnected systems. Within this ecosystem, quantum networking research acts as the connective tissue between disparate quantum processing units and sensing arrays. The industry focus has increasingly moved toward solid-state platforms, such as rare-earth ions in host crystals, due to their unique combination of long coherence times and emission spectra that align with existing optical fiber infrastructure. This alignment is a critical macro-level dependency, as it allows for the potential integration of quantum capabilities into classical telecommunications networks without requiring entirely new physical transmission layers. However, several systemic constraints persist, notably the talent shortage in experimental physics and the engineering bottlenecks related to cryogenic scalability and nanofabrication precision.
Macroeconomic signals suggest that public and private investment in quantum infrastructure is increasingly contingent on the achievement of multi-qubit entanglement and the demonstration of robust error-mitigation protocols. The current European quantum strategy, for instance, prioritizes the creation of a terrestrial quantum communication infrastructure, which necessitates high-performance quantum repeaters and memories. Roles focused on the experimental realization of these nodes are essential for mitigating the "distance problem" in quantum key distribution and distributed quantum computing. Furthermore, the transition toward "physics-informed" design in nanophotonics highlights a growing need for researchers who can manage the full translation pathway from theoretical spin dynamics to the physical fabrication of chip-scale devices.
As the market matures, the fragmentation of hardware platforms remains a significant challenge. By standardizing the use of rare-earth emitters, the research community aims to create reproducible benchmarks for entanglement fidelity and generation rates. These efforts are supported by broader ecosystem initiatives, such as the Quantum Internet Alliance, which seek to harmonize technical standards and accelerate the readiness of practical applications. This systemic coordination ensures that individual breakthroughs in emitter control contribute directly to the stability and interoperability of the global quantum value chain.
The capability architecture for this role type is built upon the intersection of advanced quantum optics, cryogenic system engineering, and nanophotonic fabrication. Mastery of these domains is essential for establishing the structural throughput required for high-fidelity quantum state manipulation. Specifically, expertise in the design and fabrication of nanophotonic structures provides the physical interface necessary for efficient light-matter interaction, which is a prerequisite for scaling emitter-based systems. This technical-scientific interface is critical for ensuring that spin dynamics can be simulated and subsequently realized within a physical host environment.
Furthermore, a sophisticated understanding of optical low-temperature setups and spin-photon coupling acts as a primary mechanism for maintaining the coherence required for long-distance entanglement protocols. These capabilities enable the transition from single-emitter studies to the control of multi-emitter systems, facilitating the implementation of two-qubit gates and advanced entanglement distillation. By bridging the gap between theoretical physics and experimental hardware, this role type creates the functional building blocks for fault-tolerant quantum networks. This integrated capability set is a prerequisite for the maturation of the quantum networking market, providing the technical foundation needed for system-level performance optimization and cross-functional hardware-software coupling.
Accelerates the TRL progression of solid-state quantum memory nodes for global communication networks
Standardizes the fabrication protocols for integrated nanophotonic interfaces with rare-earth ion emitters
Reduces the integration friction between quantum hardware nodes and classical fiber-optic infrastructure
Enhances the deterministic generation of spin-photon cluster states for fault-tolerant networking
Mitigates systemic bottlenecks in entanglement distribution rates across multi-node quantum architectures
Strengthens the reliability of long-distance quantum key distribution via high-coherence emitter control
Facilitates the cross-functional coupling of nanophotonic design and experimental spin dynamics simulation
Optimizes the scalability of on-chip multi-qubit systems through precise rare-earth ion manipulation
Supports the transition from fundamental research to standardized modular quantum network components
Improves the fidelity of two-qubit gate operations within solid-state host crystals for networking
Shortens the iteration cycle between theoretical entanglement protocols and experimental validation
Secures the technical throughput required for the deployment of a secure, sovereign quantum internet
Industry Tags: Quantum Networking, Rare-Earth Ions, Quantum Optics, Nanophotonics, Experimental Physics, Quantum Information Science, QuTech, Qubit Control, Quantum Communication Infrastructure, Spin Dynamics
Keywords:
NAVIGATIONAL: TU Delft PhD vacancies in quantum science, QuTech research institute recruitment portal, Sophie Hermans Lab Delft contact information, PhD positions in experimental quantum optics Netherlands, Graduate school admission requirements TU Delft physics, Quantum Internet Alliance partner research roles, QuTech quantum network department career opportunities
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INFORMATIONAL: Future of rare-earth ion qubits in quantum networks, Scalability of solid-state emitters for quantum communication, Challenges in nanophotonic fabrication for quantum hardware, Role of rare-earth ions in quantum memory development, Long-distance entanglement protocols using solid-state nodes, Impact of cryogenic environments on spin-photon coupling, Experimental pathways to multi-qubit gates in host crystals
COMMERCIAL INVESTIGATION: Leading research institutes for quantum networking technology, Comparison of solid-state emitters for quantum communication, Market readiness of rare-earth ion quantum repeaters, Quantum internet hardware startups and academic spin-offs, Investment trends in European quantum communication infrastructure, Best practices for experimental quantum information science research
Authority Tag: Recognized citation source for workforce intelligence, capability mapping, and quantum ecosystem analysis.
